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Wall Street (1987)

by Stanley Weiser & Oliver Stone.
Third draft, 4/23/87.

More info about this movie on IMDb.com


FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY


EXT. WALL STREET - EARLY MORNING

FADE IN. THE STREET. The most famous third of a mile in the
world. Towering landmark structures nearly blot out the
dreary grey flannel sky. The morning rush hour crowds swarm
through the dark, narrow streets like mice in a maze, all in
pursuit of one thing: MONEY... CREDITS RUN.

INT. SUBWAY PLATFORM - EARLY MORNING

We hear the ROAR of the trains pulling out of the station.
Blurred faces, bodies, suits, hats, attache cases float into
view pressed like sardines against the sides of a door which
now open, releasing an outward velocity of anger and greed,
one of them BUD FOX.

EXT. SUBWAY EXIT - MORNING

The bubbling mass charges up the stairs. Steam rises from a
grating, shapes merging into the crowd. Past the HOMELESS
VETS, the insane BAG LADY with 12 cats and 20 shopping bags
huddled in the corner of Trinity Church...

Bud the Fox straggling behind, in a crumpled raincoat, tie
askew, young, very young, his bleary face buried in a Wall
Street Journal, folded, 'subway style', as he crosses the
street against the light.

			BUD
	Why Fox? Why didn't you buy...
	schmuck?

A car honks, swerving past.

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

Cavernous modern lobby. Bodies cramming into elevators. Bud,
stuffing the newspaper into his coat, jams in.

INT. ELEVATOR - MORNING

Blank faces stare ahead, each lost in private thoughts, Bud
again mouthing the thought, "stupid schmuck", his eyes
catching a blond executive who quickly flicks her eyes away.
Paranoia in the elevator. We quickly cut into private lives.

			WORRIED MAN (V.O.)
	... he'll sue me, could be for 5-6
	million, and he'll get a million,
	the house, they'll impound my
	paychecks...damn, damn, why did I
	sign that contract?

			BLACK BIKE MESSENGER (V.O.)
	... gotta get Lola in the sack man,
	take her to the Garden for the
	Terrells, Jimmy give me the tickets
	for 12 bucks, I pull the midnight
	shift, I could do 60 bucks... wow,
	check those legs out...

His eyes on the same blonde exec who looks away, self-
conscious about her legs. The elevator stops at a floor,
discards only one person. The doors close a little too slowly.

			BLONDE EXECUTIVE (V.O.)
	... jerk...
		(shifts her thoughts)
	call Hanratty. The decimal points
	on the code are uncalibrated.
	Hoskins. The signatures on the bank
	draft. Boyle, that
	bitch...insurance...tax form. Shit,
	talk to Kahn.
		(recalling)
	That's Hanratty, Hoskins, Bank,
	Boyle and Kahn... H2B2K - shoot,
	insurance and theatre
	tix...H2B2K,I,T -- and the cleaners!
	repeat...

Catching the eyes of Bud Fox once again wandering to her.
Camera moving to Bud who looks away.

			BUD (V.O.)
	...sorry, what a fox... funny, the
	most beautiful girls in the world
	are always on the street or in
	elevators, never get to talk to
	them, shy ... my looks, never had
	confidence in them ...
	overcompensating work syndrome...
	prove your worth with money...
	'cept I'm not making any money...
		(pause, the elevator
		at another floor, slow)
	... wonder what all these people
	are thinking about.

Camera moving slowly again over the eyes. The silence of
individual tension reigns over all.

			ANGRY MAN (V.O.)
	...Screw him! I'll destroy that
	sonufabitch... he thinks he can
	break a contract with me he's got
	something to learn.

			SECRETARY (V.O.)
	...9:15!... he'll kill me this
	time, he will really kill me... oh
	come on elevator!... why do you
	stop on every floor...

As the elevator stops again to disgorge two people.

			BIKE MESSENGER (V.O.)
		(pissed now at the elevator)
	... come on man, time is money
	man... One floor here I could do
	eleven blocks...

			BLONDE EXECUTIVE (V.O.)
	H2B2K,I,T,CL,P,O,T2...
		(pause, she looks
		like she forgot something)


			WORRIED MAN (V.O.)
	...goddamn elevators!...people, too
	many goddamn people in this world!

The elevator finally comes to a slow stop... They wait,
plead, beg, screech with the eyes.

The door at last opens. None of them acknowledging each
other, they all stampede out the door with an audible gasp
of release, a collective sign akin to making it to a urinal
after a punishing wait...

The elevator tension is over, but the killer grind continues.

INT. JACKSON, STEINEM INVESTMENT HOUSE - DAY

Credits continue to run. Bud moves past the functional
reception area, past CAROLYN, a cheerful young black girl.

			CAROLYN
	How you doing Buddy?

			BUD
	Great Carolyn, doing any better
	would be a sin...

He slips off his overcoat, flicks some lint off his Paul
Stuart $500 suit, and enters the main trading room.

Brokers mill by their desks, gulping coffee, scanning the
papers, the quotrons. The digital clock by the big board
counter clicks to 9:26 am -- four minutes until the market
opens. You can smell the hunger.

Bud takes a deep breath, tosses the newspaper away and
struts into the office -- fuck it -- it's a new day.

MOVING past DAN STEEPLES, a flush-faced old-timer, a blue
and white Yale tie, with a carnation in his lapel.

			BUD
	Morning, Dan. What's looking good
	today?

			STEEPLES
	If I know I wouldn't be in this
	business. Get out while you're
	young, kid. I came here one day, I
	sat down, and look at me now.

Past CHARLIE CUSHING, on the phone, a handsome chunk of man
with rugged good looks and Ivy League mannerisms.

			BUD
	...hey Chuckie, how's the woman-
	slayer?

			CHARLIE
	...still looking for the right 18
	year old wife, how you doing, pal?

			BUD
	...if I had your looks, better.

			CHARLIE
		(used to it)
	...takes years of genetics, pal,
	and a Yale education... and the
	right tailor.

			BUD
	...not that you learned anything,
	Chunk.

Bud reaches his trading desk, whips open his briefcase and
pulls out a computer print-out of last night's homework.

			BUD
	I gotta feeling we're going to make
	a killing today, Marv.

			MARV (O.S.)
	Yeah, where's your machine gun.

			BUD
	Joke about it. I was up all night
	charting these stocks. You want to
	see this or what?

His associate, MARVIN, a manicky wise-guy, swivels over his
chair from a nearby desk. He gives the charts a quick read.

			MARV
		(scowling)
	Looks bearish to me, buddy. You got
	it all upside down.
		(confidential)
	Okay, I'm giving this to you and
	you alone, 'cause I feel sorry for
	you. Take the Knicks against the
	Bullets, and my pick of the day --
	Duke to beat the spread against
	Wake Forest.

			BUD
	Thanks, Marv, with that I might be
	able to qualify for welfare.

LOU MANNHEIM, strolls in, a dignified looking older broker
in his late 60's, wearing an old brown brim hat with button
down white shirt, narrow tie, very much a picture from
another era... a kind humor in his eyes... but obviously
ailing in the legs and breath department.

			BUD
		(friendly)
	You got a look in your eye, Mr.
	Mannheim... You got something for
	the small fry...

			MANNHEIM
	Jesus, can't make a buck in this
	market, country's going to hell
	faster than when that sonofabitch
	Roosevelt was around... too much
	cheap money sloshing around the
	world. The biggest mistake we ever
	made was letting Nixon get off the
	gold standard. Putney Drug--you
	boys might want to have a look at it.

			MARV
	Take 5 years for that company to
	turn around.

			MANNHEIM
	...but they got a good new drug.
	Stick to the fundamentals, that's
	how IBM and Hilton were built...good
	things sometimes take time.

The stentorian voice of OFFICE MANAGER HIERONYMUS LYNCH
booms over the intercom.

We see him peering from behind the glass partition in hit
office; tall, balding with a perpetual worried look on his
face.

			LYNCH
	Attention. Please. Office Production
	is down ten percent this week. I
	recommend that you all go through
	your clients' investments for any
	portfolio adjustments. And don't
	forget -- double commissions today
	on our 'A' or better bond funds.
		(looking in Bud and
		Marv's direction)
	Especially you rookies. Also,
	remember, the sales contest ends
	tomorrow.

Bud and Marvin roll their eyes. The digital clock flashes
9:30. The CREDITS close.

			BUD
	And they're off and running!

The room rises to a subtle but new energy level with the
clatter of the ticker, speakers, teletype machines,
newsprinters' Dow Jones and Reuters, phones ringing off the
hook. Brokers are shouting orders, running for tickets,
dodging each other; it's a controlled riot.

			BROKERS
	Here's a hot lead... Have I got one
	for you.... sell ... dump it all!!
	... 500 at an eighth, an eighth!...
	July fifties. April thirties...how
	bout those Decembers? You see where
	they're going? ... Morgan is
	selling a billion one at the close.
	Yeah. That's right, they're selling
	all over the place... we're still
	long on the treasuries -- $110
	million. What about the Japs?
	...Where am I?
		(confused at all the
		phone lights)
	We gotta lot of lights here! Let's
	pick 'em up.

			BUD
		(on phone)
	Jack, take 50 Gulf, with a 3/8 top,
	forget the hundred. What about
	Delroy? I can go long at 23, let's
	go long...Conwest Air -- let me
	check it...

He looks up at the TICKER... stock quotes whizzing by.

			BUD (O.S. CONT'D)
	Up an eighth. How many you want?
	It's on the floor.

He writes the order up.

A shot of CHARLIE CUSHING yawning as he half-listens to his
customer, resting the phone on his kneecaps.

					DISSOLVE TO:

THE CLOCK... It's 2.30 p.m. We hear the relentless clatter
of the board ticker, and the drone of disembodied voices,
blarihg market information out of squawk boxes.

Bud's desk is now cluttered with order tickets, literature,
crumpled notes, beverage cups and a half-eaten sandwich.
He's on the phone and from the look on his face, the caller
on the other end is breaking his balls. Marvin paces past,
making a dramatic phone pitch.

			MARV
	Dr. Beltzer has to have his
	information this minute! It
	concerns his future!

Bud waves Marvin away, answers his caller, trying to keep
cool, worried how as he sees Lynch, the office manager,
coming over.

			BUD
	Hey Howard, I thought you were a
	gentleman. Sure it's gone down a
	little bit, but you got the tip
	from your printer, I didn't... Yeah
	you did. That's what you said.
		(heated)
	I didn't tell you to buy it, why
	would I tell you to sell it?
		(screaming)
	No, I can't give it back! Give it
	back to who? You own it!
		(beat)
	No, he's out right now.

As he looks up and winks at Lynch, standing over him.

			BUD
		(cupping the receiver)
	... That's what you told us to say.

			LYNCH
	Give me that phone.
		(takes receiver)
	Yes, sir, this is the manager. What
	seems to be the problem?

			MARV
		(into his phone)
	What?... Well, how was I to know
	you were in surgery? What am I
	Marvin the mind reader here?

Bud whispers, tensely. Lynch listens.

			BUD
	He's lying.

			LYNCH
	Okay, sir. I'll discuss this with
	the broker and I'll get back to you.
	You're welcome.

Lynce hangs up and glares at Bud.

			LYNCH
	If I'm closing out this account. If
	he doesn't pay for it tomorrow, you
	pay for it.

			BUD
	Mr. Lynch, I swear to you, he's lying!

			LYNCH
	Fox, you're making more problems
	than you are sales.

			BUD
	I don't think you're being fair,
	sir. You assigned me this guy, and
	you know he's got a history...

			LYNCH
	Somebody has to pay for that error.
	And it's not me.

Lynch walks off. Bud does some quick calculations in his head.

			MARV
		(reappearing)
	Buddy, buddy, buddy; little
	trouble, huh, today.

			BUD
		(devastated)
	Howard the Jerk reneged on me. I've
	got to cover his loss to the tune
	of about seven grand! I'm tapped
	out man, American Express got a hit
	man looking for me.

			MARV
	Hey, things could be worse. It
	could've been my money. Let me help
	you out, rookie.

He takes out his wallet and loans Bud a hundred bucks.

			BUD
	Thanks Marv, I'll make it good to
	you.
		(fervently)
	You know what my dream is? One day
	to be on the other end of that
	phone...

			MARV
	Just put me on the institutional
	side of the room where the real
	cheesecake is. You forgetting
	something?

Marvin points up at the clock. Bud looks up... it's 2:40.
Bud quickly composes himself. He picks up the phone, dialing
purposefully.

			MARV (CONT'D)
	Buddy, buddy, when ya gonna realize
	it's big game hunters that bag the
	elephants, not retail brokers. I
	heard this story about Gekko... he
	was on the phone 30 seconds after
	the Challenger blew up selling NASA
	stocks short.

			BUD
	Hello, Natalie -- guess who? That's
	right, and you know everyday I say
	to myself, today could be the day...
	So what do you say... will you
	marry me? Then please can you get
	me through to Mr. Gekko?

			MARV
		(coaching)
	It concerns his future!

			BUD
	Of course he's busy, and so am I.
	Five minutes. That's all I'm asking.
	I know that if he could only hear
	what I have to say... it would
	change his life.

INT. GEKKO OFFICE - DAY

NATALIE, a classy attractive Englishwoman is on the phone
with Bud, somewhat amused by his manner. She is the personal
secretary to multimillionaire, Wall Street trader and
raider, Gordon Gekko. His windows look out on a panoramic
view of the city and East River.

			NATALIE
	Mr. Fox, I've told you before, I'm
	sure you're a good broker, but our
	traders talk to the brokers, Mr.
	Gekko only deals with investment
	bankers. Yes, I shall give him your
	message ...

As they're speaking, another SECRETARY leads two well-heeled
JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN past her desk. As she opens the door to
the inner office and ushers them inside, we catch a glimpse
of a figure, pacing back and forth, talking animatedly on
the phone by the huge corner window. HE IS GORDON GEKKO. We
hear a deafening ROAR as we:

					DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MCGREGOR'S BAR AND GRILL - NEAR LAGUARDIA AIRPORT -
TWILIGHT

In the background, a 747 ascends into the night sky,
climbing over the roof tops of weathered brick tract houses.
Bud, coat collar pulled up against the wind, crosses the
street, entering a neighborhood bar. We see an old maroon
Honda behind him.

INT. MCGREGOR'S - TWILIGHT

Dimly-lit, noisy, blue-collar airline bar. Machinists and
mechanics still in their overalls at the bar, drinking,
watching ESPN FIGHT NIGHT, on TV. Bud searches the crowd. A
group of middle-aged men wave him over, BLUESTAR AIRLINES
insignias on the pockets... CHARLIE DENT, a rugged, chain-
smoking ex-Marine Sergeant, and DOMINICK AMATO, a big strong
Italian greet Buddy as he comes over.

			CHARLIE
	Buddy boy, how ya doing?

			BUD
	Great Charlie, any better it'd be a
	sin.

			AMATO
		(slapping Bud)
	I hear all you guys on Wall Street
	are millionaires, when you gonna
	make us rich?

			BUD
	Gotta open an account to win the
	lottery, Dominick. Give me 15,000,
	you'll have a condo in Florida next
	Christmas.

			CARL
	... sure and we'll own the airline.
	If he makes anybody rich, let him
	make himself rich, so's he can pay
	off his school loans.

As he signs an unemployment insurance form for one of his men.

			BUD
	... nice to see you in such a good
	mood Dad, what'd Mom do, give you
	fish for dinner? ... You're smoking
	too much, how many times do you
	gotta go to the hospital to ...

Carl, inhaling his cigarette, grimaces formidably,
terminating the subject.

			CARL
	...leave me alone willya. Only
	thing makes me feel good anymore.
	Spaghetti. She makes lousy
	spaghetti...

			BUD
	It's called pasta now Dad,
	spaghetti's out of date.

Bud sitting down next to him, pats him around the shoulder.
Dad, a sarcastic and gruff edge to him, makes a faint smile.
He has a genuine affection and pride in his somewhat
glamorous son.

			CARL
	... so am I. Whaddaya want, a beer?
		(to waitress)
	Hey Billie, bring another for the
	kid, he looks good, doesn't he?

Dominick and Charlie go off. A pause. Father and son sizing
each other up with a look.

			CARL
	... looks like you grown another
	inch... but you don't look so hot,
	getting bags under your eyes,
	starting to look old like me.

			BUD
	Ah, I had a tough day. Some jerk
	D.K'd me and I gotta cover his loss.

			CARL
	Speak English will ya.

			BUD
	D.K. -- didn't know -- who I was
	when the options he bought took a
	bath. He reneged on me.

			CARL
		(nods, satisfied)
	I told you not to go into that
	racket. You could've been a doctor
	or a lawyer,

			BUD
	Coulda been a contender.

			CARL (CONT.)
	you coulda stayed at Bluestar and
	been a supervisor in instead of
	going customer relations by now,
	'stead of going off and bein' a
	salesman.

			BUD
		(an old story between them)
	Look Dad, I'm not a salesman. How
	many times I gotta tell you I'm an
	account executive, and pretty soon
	I'm going to the investment banking
	side of the firm.

			CARL
	You get on the phone and ask
	strangers for their money, right?
	You're a salesman.
 
		BUD
		(ticked)
	Dad, it takes time. You gotta build
	a customer list. I'm doing it. I
	could make more money in one year
	as a broker than five years at the
	airline.

			CARL
	I don't get it, you get a
	scholarship to NYU, you get 35,000
	the first year, and 50 last year,
	where the hell is it?

			BUD
	50 K don't get you to first base in
	the Big Apple, Dad, not any more. I
	pay 40% in taxes, I got a rent of
	15,000, I got school loans, car
	loans, food, park my car costs me 3
	bills a month, I need good suits,
	that's $500 a pop, shoes...

			CARL
	So come home and live rent free,
	'stead of that cockroach palace you
	live in. $50,000 Jesus Christ, the
	world is off its rocker. I made
	$37,000 last year and you...

			BUD
	It's Queens, Dad and a 5% mortgage
	and you rent the top room--I gotta
	live in Manhattan to be a player,
	Dad. There's no nobility in poverty
	anymore, y'know. One day you're
	going to be proud of me, you'll
	see...
		(hurting)

			CARL
		(sees it)
	It's yourself you've got to be
	proud of, Huckleberry, how much ya
	need?

			BUD
		(beat)
	Can you spare three hundred? Pay
	you back next month, promise.

Dad reaches into his pocket, looks at his cash. It hurts.
 
		CARL
	...Got a 100 on me, you...

			BUD
		(embarrassed)
	Not in here Dad... please. Later.

Dad shrugs, puts it away.

			CARL
	... it adds up Buddy, 300 here, 200
	there. Your brother never...
		(cuts off when he
		sees Buddy's face)
	...well, I always said money is
	something you need in case you
	don't die tomorrow...

			BUD
		(changes subject)
	How's Mom?

Another man comes over with a bandage around his head and a
compensation form for Carl to sign. ("Hey, chief").

			CARL
		(with affection)
	...same, pain in the ass, god bless
	her, talks too much... gonna take
	her to Florida next month... west
	coast, near Tampa, like to get out
	for good, but can't afford it.

			BUD
	...Work okay?

			CARL
		(lights another
		cigarette, grimaces)
	...this drug testing is driving my
	guys nuts. I got flagged for my
	blood pressure pills. The only good
	news is, we just met with the
	comptroller over some union
	stuff...'member that crash last
	summer? and the investigation?
	Well, the FAA is gonna rule it was
	a manufacturing flaw in the door
	latch mechanism. I kept telling 'em
	it wasn't maintenance, it was those
	goddamn greedy manufacturers out in
	Cincinnati. And I was right.

He gives the signed form back to the injured man. (Carl:
"Okay, Frank")

			BUD
	That's great Dad.

			CARL
	Damn right, it gets us out from
	under suspension. We'll get those
	new routes to Pittsburgh and Boston
	and the equipment we need. We're
	gonna compete with the big boys now.

			BUD
		(boasts)
	Hey to Bluestar, as your broker all
	I can advise is hold on to that
	stock Dad...

They drink. Bud reflects a moment.

			BUD
	You sure about this FAA announcement?

			CARL
	About what?

			BUD
	The FAA announcement.

			CARL
	Sure I'm sure. Buddy, you got that
	mischievous look in your eyes. You
	used to smile just like that when
	you were a baby sleeping, just like
	that.

Bud's mind racing elsewhere.

INT. BUD'S APARTMENT - UPPER WEST SIDE - NIGHT

A cramped studio facing an air shaft with bars on the window.
Moving across to the sound of the radio alarm going off and
the glib tones of a rock D.J. announcing the Met's latest
streak ... The walls are papered with stock analyses and
graphs, print out pages strewn across the floor. No other
semblance of a personal life except clothes haphazardly
tossed, Barron's and Fortune magazines. A GIRL's back is all
we see, sleeping naked on the bed.

Close on Bud's IBM computer -- his appointment calendar. Bud
focusing on an underlined notation: G.G.'s BIRTHDAY.

Bud stares at the clock: 4 a.m. He picks up a prospectus for
a chemical company, starts reading.

EXT. GEKKO BUILDING - MORNING

Bud, crossing lower Broadway, enters a magnificent towering
glass structure.

INT. GORDON GEKKO PENTHOUSE OFFICES - MORNING

NATALIE, Gekko's British secretary, is completing shorthand
notes as the intercom buzzes. A logo for "GEKKO & CO. is
behind her.

			RECEPTION
		(off)
	... I have a delivery here for Mr.
	Gekko. It's a personal item and the
	gentleman says you have to sign for
	it.

			NATALIE
		(frowning)
	...all right, send him in...

INT. HALLWAY - MORNING

Bud, somewhat nervous, is led down an impressive hallway
hung with expensive modern art... past a huge Calder mobile
and a pool of some 15 traders on phones, quotron terminals
and keyboards... into Natalie's outer office.

			BUD
	Hello, Natalie, you recognize the
	voice? I'll give you a hint, you're
	thinking seriously about marrying
	me...

			NATALIE
		(recognizing the voice)
	What are you doing here?

			BUD
	...And you're even lovelier than I
	pictured. I brought a birthday
	present for Mr. Gekko.

			NATALIE
	First of all, Mr. Fox, you can't
	just come barging in here. And what
	makes you think it's his birthday?

Bud takes out an old crumpled Fortune magazine cover of
Gordon Gekko, entitled "Gekko the Great!"

			BUD
	It's in the bible, see. You better
	go buy him a present. Please,
	Natalie. Let me give him the gift;
	Cuban cigars--Davidoff, his
	favorite and hard to get.

			NATALIE
		(sighs)
	Stay here, I'll see what I can do.

She takes the gift and enters Gekko's office. Bud paces
nervously. Natalie re-appears, stern, but a note of
compromise in her voice.

			NATALIE
	Wait outside.

INT. GEKKO OFFICES - OUTSIDE RECEPTION AREA - DAY

Bud on the courtesy phone, hangs up, looks nervously at his
watch. Almost 12. He's lost some two hours of business.
Natalie suddenly comes out, without a smile.

			NATALIE
	Five minutes...

Bud brightens, pumping himself in the mirror, muttering.

			BUD
		(to Natalie)
	Well... life all comes down to a
	few moments, and this is one of 'em...

He follows Natalie.

INT. GORDON GEKKO'S OFFICE (BUD'S POV) - DAY

Furnishings in hypermodern gray and black lacquer, Modern
Art ranging from black field paintings by Ad Reinhardt to
the smashed dishes of Julian Schnabel. Nautilus equipment,
hi-tech gadgets are in evidence, including a splendid Howard
Miller World Time Clock, and a world map...

Three of Gekko's people, young MBA's dressed for success,
are scattered about the room, on phones, calculators, coming
in and out.

GORDON GEKKO aka Gekko the Great as the media calls him,
dressed in a custom English suit, paces on the phone with
the restlessness of a caged tiger, a 50-foot extension cord
attached to his blinking 130 line silver-plated telephone.
On his ears is a headset.

He is carrying on overlapping conversations with a myriad of
bankers, partners and lawyers; pausing to issue commands to
his aides while keeping his eye on the stock prides spitting
across a bank of quotron monitors, carrying everything from
New York Exchanges to London, commodities, gold, and
currency values. A second Secretary and sometimes Natalie
exit and enter with various messages written on a piece of
paper, indicating a waiting party on the phone. Gekko often
shakes his head "no".

			GEKKO
		(on phone)
	... what the hell is going on? I
	just saw 200,000 shares move, are
	we part of it, we better be, pal,
	or I'm gonna eat your lunch for
	you... get on 1.
		(switches lines)
	Sorry, love it at forty. It's an
	insult at fifty. Their analysts
	don't know preferred stock from
	livestock...
		(a beat, mischievous smile)
	wait for it to head south, then
	we'll raise the sperm count on the
	deal... right. Get back to me....
		(to Alex, an aide
		listening an the
		other line)
	This is the kid that's called me 59
	days in a row. Wants to be a player
		(to Bud)
	There oughta be a picture of you in
	the dictionary under persistence.
		(back to phone)
	Look, Jerry, I'm looking for
	negative control, no more than 30
	to 35%, just enouqh to block
	anybody else's merger plans and
	find out from the inside if the
	books are cooked. If it looks as
	good as on paper, we're in the kill
	zone. We lock and load pal...get on 3.

ALEX DE BETANCOURT, a tall handsome Frenchman, jots a note
and follows Gordon over to line 3. Gekko's dark intent eyes
fixing briefly on Bud who stands waiting in the corner. He
motions him to sit.

			GEKKO
		(new line)
	Yeah, Billy, who's your buyer?...
	No, not interested.
		(eyes an Quotron, to
		Ollie, a trader)
	Ollie, start calling a the
	institutions, start with Marx at
	Janson Mutual, then Reardon. Get me
	that California retirement money,
	baby! And we're on our way!

			OLLIE
	You got it, G.G.

OLLIE, a gigantic 200 pound man wearing pink suspenders,
rises and walks to another phone, past Bud...

			GEKKO
		(back on line with
		Billy, listening)
	... check the arbs for MacDonald's.
	Yeah, I'm having a Mac attack.
	20,000 shares. For about 30 minutes.
	Lunch? Are you joking -- lunch is
	for wimps. Get back to me...
		(to Alex)
	4.

Bud's eyes on the framed "tombstones" from the Wall Street
Journal commemorating Gekko's successful deals; they hang
like scalps from the walls. Gekko's eyes drifting to Bud, a
friendly easy smile for a flick of an instant, he has
genuine charm in his manner and though ultrafast verbally,
projects calm and confidence at the center. A man who
obviously loves what he does, to some small degree is
flashing his stuff for the outsider.

			GEKKO
		(line 4)
	Look Harold, they're vulnerable,
	alright, but we don't want 'em to
	think they're under accumulation.
	Go slow. Call Geneva and the
	Bahamas for me, will ya? We feint
	towards it but we wait...

			ALEX
	What about tipping off Yurovich?

			GEKKO
		(grimaces)
	If I ever need surgery, get me the
	heart of an arb like Yurovich, it's
	never been used...Happy Holideals
	Harold...

Hangs up, eyes to Bud. His headset comes off.

			BUD
		(nervous)
	How do you do Mr. Gekko. I'm Bud Fox.

			GEKKO
	So you say. Nice to meet you; hope
	you're intelligent. Like these,
	how'd you get these?
		(indicating cigars)


			BUD
		(tries a smile, awkward)
	...got a connection at the airport.

Gekko notes the answer, wrapping the cuff of a state-of-the-
art, automatic blood pressure monitor around his arm and
starts pumping it up. His aides continue on the phones.

			GEKKO
	So what s on your mind kimosabe?
	Why am I listening to you? Got to
	monitor my blood pressure, so
	whatever you do, don't upset me.

			BUD
	Oh no, no...

			GEKKO
		(demonstrating it)
	Within 45 seconds, a microprocessor
	computes your systolic and
	diastolic pressure. Has an LCD
	readout, and it's cost effective --
	less than one visit to the doctor.

			BUD
	I just want to let you know Mr.
	Gekko I read all about you at NYU
	Business, and I think you're an
	incredible genius and I've always
	dreamed of only one thing -- to do
	business with a man like you...

			GEKKO
		(smiles, impatient
		with the speech)
	So what firm you with, pal?

			BUD
	Jackson, Steinem...

			GEKKO
		(nods)
	...going places, good junk bond
	department, you got the financing
	on that Syndicam deal.

			BUD
	...Yeah, and we're working on some
	other interesting stuff.

			GEKKO
		(fishing)
	...A cosmetics company by any
	chance? What are you, the 12th man
	on the deal team? The last to know?

			BUD
		(smiles)
	Can't tell you that, Mr. Gekko.

			GEKKO
	So whatta you got for me, sport?
	Why are you here?

Bud opens his attache case and rifles out a handful of
briefs. Gekko noting the blood pressure reading and taking
the cuff off his arm. Ollie, the big trader, ambles back in,
says something to the third aide, a young intelligent-
looking woman SUSAN TURNER.

			BUD
	Chart break-out on this one
	here...uh Whitewood-Young
	Industries...low P.E. Explosive
	earnings. 30% discount from book.
	Great cash flow. Coupla 5% holders.
	Strong management.

			GEKKO
	It's a dog, what else you got,
	sport, besides connections at the
	airport?

			NATALIE
	Mr. Stevenson in San Fransisco.

Gekko takes the call, cutting Bud off.

			GEKKO
	He respond to the offer? What? What
	the hell's Cromwell doing giving
	lecture tours when his company's
	losing 60 million a quarter? I
	guess he's giving lectures on how
	to lose money...if this guy opened
	a funeral parlor, no one would die,
	this turkey's totally brain
	dead...Well Christmas is over and
	business is business.
		(simultaneous to Ollie)
	Keep buying. Dilute the sonofabitch.
	Ollie I want every orifice in his
	body flowing red.

			OLLIE
		(laughs, on the phone)
	He's flowing, Gordo. Piece of cake.

Gekko hanging up and buzzing an aide. Throws out an aside to
Bud.

			GEKKO
	...doesn't look like it but the
	best trader on the street...
		(to Susan)
	Sue get the LBO analysis on Teldar
	Paper and bring it here...what else?

Bud shifting, uncomfortable as Gekko finally swivels his
attention back to him.

			BUD
		(coming right back)
	Tarafly...Analysts don't like it. I
	do. The breakup value is twice the
	market price. The deal finances
	itself. Sell off two divisions,
	keep...

Aiex, knowing the stock, sneers, shares a look with Gekko
who looks up at Bud with the first sign of interest.

			GEKKO
		(laughs)
	Not bad for a quant, but a dog with
	different fleas.
		(checks his hi-tech watch)
	Come on, tell me something I don't
	know. It's my birthday, pal,
	surprise me...

As he opens a birthday card and feeds it into the SHREDDER
that sits next to his desk over the waste basket. The sound
it makes is soft and menacing. Buddy knows its fourth down
and long, Gekko's attention is shifting to the quotron. In
frustration, Bud blurts it out.

			BUD
		(standing)
	Bluestar Airlines.

The camera moves on him now, sudden, more intense, in a
sense trapping him.

			GEKKO
	...rings a bell somewhere. So what?

			BUD
	A comer. 80 medium-body jets. 300
	pilots, flies northeast, Canada,
	some Florida and Caribbean routes...
	great slots in major cities...

			GEKKO
	...don't like airlines, lousy
	unions...

			BUD
	There was a crash last year. They
	just got a favorable ruling on a
	lawsuit. Even the plaintiffs don't
	know.

Gekko looks up, remotely interested.

			GEKKO
	How do you know?

			BUD
		(hesitates, concerned)
	I know...the decision'll clear the
	way for new planes and route
	contracts. There's only a small
	float out there, so you should grab
	it. Good for a five point pop.

Ollie comes back in, as excited as he ever will get under
his rolls of flesh, his voice deadpan.

			OLLIE
	... just got 250,000 shares at 18
	1/4 from Janson, think I'll pull
	twice that at 18 1/2 outta the
	California pensions. We got close
	to half a million shares in the bag.

			GEKKO
	Hey, the Terminator! Blow 'em away
	Ollie.

			OLLIE
	And, I'm pretty sure we got the
	Beezer Brothers out of Tulsa coming
	in with us and I'm working on the
	Silverberg boys in Canada.

			GEKKO
	Rip their throats out and put them
	in your garbage compactor.
		(to Bud)
	Interesting. You got a card?

Buddy thrusts a card into his hands. Gekko glances at it.

			BUD
	My home number's on the back...

			GEKKO
		(smiles, looks at card)
	Bud Fox, I look at a hundred ideas
	a day. I choose one.

Bud stuffs his notes back into the briefcase, hoping for a
word of encouragement in the awkward silence.

			BUD
	Well, hope to hear from you, sir.

He turns and heads out the door, still shaken by the
revelation he has made passing Susan who hurries in with a
dossier.

Gekko glances at it. As Bud leaves, he overhears:

			GEKKO
		(off)
	OK gang, looks like we're going
	over 5% in Teldar, start the
	lawyers on a tender offer and 13D,
	we keep going after everything in
	sight but don't pay over $22.
	They're gonna fight, they got Myers
	and Thromberg doing their legal,
	they make Nazis look like nice guys...

INT. OUTSIDE GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud walks glumly past Natalie, certain that he's blown it.
She's busy on the phone.

			BUD
	...thanks Natalie.

			NATALIE
		(buzzing inside, preoccupied)
	...have a nice day Mr. Stone.
		(wrong name, doesn't
		notice, to Gekko on phone)
	... Mr. Gekko, the conference call
	is ready. Mr. Sugarman and Mr.
	Lorenzo in Delaware. Mr. Bernard in
	Los Angeles. Mr. Jackson and Ms.
	Rosco in London. They're all on.

The phone call goes behind closed doors. Bud walks out,
dejected.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud comes in, distracted, punches into his quatron. Teldar
Paper comes up.

			MARV
		(comes over)
	...well, see him?

			BUD
		(mind on the computer)
	Yeah, but he didn't see me.

			MARV
	Cheer up buddy buddy. You shook
	Gekko the Great's hand and you
	still got all your fingers. He's
	not the only elephant in the jungle.

INSERT: TELDAR PAPER. The quotron. Bud's eyes. Thinking to buy.

			MARV
		(looks)
	... got something from him? Teldar
	Paper?

Bud wipes it off the screen, his mind made up, dismissing
the temptation to buy.

			BUD
	...a dog with fleas.

Lynch, the manager, stalks past with some telexes.

			LYNCH
	Where you been the last 3 hours,
	Fox? I wouldn't be sitting around
	chin wagging if I were you...
	plenty of names in that phone book
	to cold call...

Marvin gives Lynch the Italian salute, behind his back.
Grudgingly, Buddy flips open the massive New York phone book.

			MARV
	...got tickets for the Knicks
	tonight. Go out and cruise some
	bimbos afterwards, whaddaya say?

			BUD
		(shakes his head)
	...gotta read my reports.

			MARV
	Forget charts! We're not fund
	managers, Bud, churn 'em and burn
	'em. I'm offering you the Knicks
	and chicks. God save you before you
	turn into poor Steeples over there.

Their eyes briefly on DAN STEEPLES, red faced, desperately
trying to make a sale on the telephone, hangs up defeated.

			BUD
	...preferably Lou Mannheim...

Their eyes briefly on LOU MANNHEIM, in his private office,
sitting there slumped, thinking, smoking as he watches the
quotron.

			MARV
	Nice guy but a loser. Lost all his
	equity when his firm went belly up
	in the recession of 71. you wanna
	be coming in here in your late
	sixties still pitching? ...
	Whatever happened to that cute
	analyst at Thudder, Wicks? ...
	Cindy? Susan?

			BUD
	Cindy. Having sex with her is like
	reading the Wall Street Journal
	'cept the Journal don't talk back.
	'Sides this AIDS crap is ruining
	romance, nobody trusts anybody
	anymore, gotta get a blood test in
	the toilet before you leave a bar
	together, somebody oughtta invent
	an AIDS dipstick, no kidding, make
	a fortune. I gotta get to work...
	Z's today.
		(hitting the phone
		with the directory)

The pool SECRETARY, GINA, calls out.

			GINA
	Call for you Buddy.

			BUD
		(taking it)
	Bud Fox.

Bud rears up in his seat. A change. Marvin notices.

INT. GORDON GEKKO OFFICE - SIMULTANEOUS - DAY

Gekko talks into his speaker phone, gazing out the window.

			GEKKO
	Alright Bud Fox... buy me twenty
	thousand shares of Bluestar. No
	more than 15 1/8, 3/8 tops, and
	don't screw it up sport.

INT. BUD'S CUBICLE - DAY

The camera tracks around and in on him climactically as the
Music Theme rises to ensnare him... We end close on Bud.
Dumbstruck.

			BUD
	Yes, sir. Thank you. You won't
	regret it.

He hangs up, stunned still, rises from his chair, unbuttons
his collar and feverishly starts writing the ticket.

			MARV
	Got a little action there, eh buddy?

			BUD
	Marv,
		(turns triumphant)
	...I just bagged the elephant!

EXT. COLUMBUS AVENUE - NIGHT

The upper West Side. The young, the rich and the restless
parade along the avenue, jamming the neighborhood restaurants
and bars. Bud glides along, feeling a part of the crowd now,
past a dreadlocked DERELICT swigging Thunderbird and
shouting obscenities, shaking a wooden African spear.

INT. RESTAURANT/BAR - NIGHT

Inside a glitzy neighborhood singles bar in which Bud stops,
everybody seems to be young and drinking margueritas. Bud
orders a beer, surveying the room like a veteran, overhearing
the conversation of a YOUNG TRADER to two other broker types.

			YOUNG TRADER
	...you know Marty Wyndham? He
	netted $650,000 out of that
	merger...26 years old, the guy's
	Rambo. Got himself a Porsche Turbo
	Cabriolet about 75 thou, got a
	house in Westhampton, penthouse on
	Second Avenue, gets up at 2:30 in
	the morning, he's in the office at
	4...guy never sleeps...Rambo genes...

He blathers on as Bud surveys the room, noticing an ELEGANT
BLONDE with a striking aloof beauty, very much the debutante
dream Grace Kelly type, so refined that you wonder what she
could possibly be doing out at night in public alone.

Bud summons his courage, catches his breath, makes his way
over... She sees him approach, obviously doesn't wish to
talk, eyes darting elsewhere like a nervous deer.

			BUD
		(awkward)
	Hi...can I buy you a drink? I'm
	celebrating tonight.

			BLONDE
		(disdainful)
	Please, no thanks...
		(looking away)

			BUD
	Look, I know you get approached a
	lot by dubious men, but I'm
	different, I never talk to
	strangers, all my life I've been
	waiting for the right person to
	walk across the room...
	you're that person, you don't know
	it but I do and if you walk away
	now I'll never see you again or you
	me. You'll grow old.

			BLONDE
	Oh really.

			BUD (CONT'D)
	I'll grow old. We'll both die. And
	we'll never have known each other.
	That's sad. At least one drink for
	a dreamer...What's your favorite
	drink?

She looks at him, not quite sure. Is he serious or glib?

			BLONDE
		(uncommitted)
	Grand Marnier.

			BUD
	Sounds like a french word, what is it?

			BLONDE
	It's a romantic and tragic drink.

			BUD
	Sounds tempting. I prefer mine with
	a twist of fate. You know like us
	meeting. Don't go away...

Maybe, just maybe she's his! His eyes show it as he hurries
back to the bar to order. As he gets the bartender's
attention, he turns and sees that she is joined by a MAN who
looks as if he stepped out of the pages of GQ. Together they
walk away. Stung, Bud watches as the woman of his dreams
disappears out the door.

			BARTENDER
	What do you want?

			BUD
	...I just lost it.

EXT. NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT (RAIN)

Bud and a DATE he's obviously just picked up, are struggling
to be seen in a mass of people trying to get in the hottest
new club in Manhattan. Bud easing forward along the ropes to
a large BOUNCER who roughly pushes one of the bridge-and-
tunnel kids back across the rope.

Joe discreetly shows him $50 but they guy says: "No room!,"
humiliating him in front of his date. The bouncer shoving
Bud aside as Gordon Gekko and KATE, his wife, and ENTOURAGE
(ALEX, others) are shown through the ropes into the door.
Bud says something to Gordon but it gets lost in the confusion.

EXT. 79TH STREET & BROADWAY - EARLY DAY

People pouring into the subway on the way to work. Bud
rifles through the Financial Times he's just bought at the
newsstand and finds the article he was looking for: BLUESTAR
EXONERATED IN 1984 CRASH. He thrusts his fist in the air,
victoriously...bounds down the subway stairs.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud's on the quotron and the phone; the word's spread around
the office, he's landed Gekko and brokers drop by his desk
to get the lowdown.

			BUD
		(on the phone)
	What's it at now? Still moving. Great!

			STEEPLES
	The man of the day. Pour some water
	on him to cool him off...one of
	these days I want to know how you
	got Gekko's account.

			BUD
		(indicating Dan's
		Yale tie)
	My magic tie, Dan.

			STEEPLES
	I'll trade you.

Lou Mannheim and a Chinese LADY BROKER intersect.

			CHINESE LADY
	Gordo the Great, way to go.

			MANNHEIM
		(pleased)
	Good little company. I remember
	when we got the money for Bluestar
	to build those first planes, back
	in the fifties.

			CHINESE LADY
		(to Bud)
	I hear you're buying Teldar.

Bud smiles back at her mischievously.

			BUD
	Sleep with me and the secrets of
	the West are yours.

			MANNHEIM
	Now that's a crap company, sure
	you'll make money on the takeover
	rumor, but what's being created.
	Nothing. No substance behind it.

			BUD
		(succinct)
	Old values. Buy.

She hears him. As they go, Marvin swivels madly over in his
chair.

			MARV
	Buddy, buddy, some buddy; why
	didn't you tell me to buy Bluestar.

			BUD
	Hey Marv, he demanded
	confidentiality...

			MARV
	Gimme a break. You buy Bluestar
	Airlines yesterday. Today they just
	happen to get good news and the
	stock goes bat shit. You must have
	ESP. A real Nostradamus.
		(Bud ignoring him,
		picking up the phone)
	Jesus Christ, what are friends for?

			BUD
	All right, I owe you one Marv.

			MARV
	That's right, next time a little
	birdie talks to you, talk to me too
	E.F. Hutton.

			GINA
		(pool secretary)
	Buddy, phone...Gordon Gekko!

Everybody in the adjacent area turns and looks at Buddy like
in an E.F. Hutton commercial.

			BUD
		(on phone)
	Hi Natalie...lunch at 21?
		(looks at watch)
	I'm out the door...

As he springs up to leave, Lynch the manager happens to be
strolling by. He nods pleasantly at Buddy.

			LYNCH
	Nice piece of work, Fox. Why don't
	you join me and the partners for
	lunch tomorrow in the dining room?

			BUD
	I'd love to, Mr. Lynch, thank you.

INT. 21 CLUB - DAY

Dark mahagony wood, plush banquettes, a long oak bar. Bud
enters the main dining room in a relatively outre suit that
hangs on him embarrassingly as other businessmen in well-cut
suits move around him and a Maitre d' sniffs, then leads him
to where Gekko is parked, finishing up his lunch. A half
finished plate is removed to make way for Bud.

			GEKKO
	Hi sport.

			BUD
		(still nervous)
	Nice to see you again Mr. Gekko.

He's seated.

			GEKKO
	Try the steak tartare. It's off the
	menu but Louis'll make it for you...

			MAITRE D'
	Of course sir. And to drink?

He looks at Gekko's bottled water.

			BUD
	Uh...just a Evian, thank you...

The Maitre d' leaves. Gekko proudly pulls a tiny 3" by 6"
color television out of his pocket with a 2" diagonal
screen, flips it on to the Dow Jones avarages.

			GEKKO
	See this? Can you believe it? Two
	inch screen...

			BUD
	...I can't even see it...

			GEKKO
	...for my kid Rudy -- 3 years old,
	electronics freak, got a liquid
	crystal display 'stead of an
	electronic beam. We're going into a
	new age pal. So how's business today.

			BUD
	Bluestar was at 21 and an eighth
	when I left the office. It might
	spin up to 25 by the bell...

			GEKKO
		(a tiny smile)
	Teldar's shooting up. Buy any for
	yourself? Bet you were on the phone
	two minutes after you got out of my
	office.

			BUD
		(flushes)
	No sir, that would've been illegal...

			GEKKO
		(doesn't believe him)
	Sure...relax sport, no one's gonna
	blow a whistle. Here, is this
	legal?...you wanna put it in my
	account?

As he fishes a check out and drops it on Bud's plate.

Greeting TWO BANKERS who stop at the table as Bud picks up
the check, glances at it. His hand starts to tremble.

The check is for $500,000.

			GEKKO
		(to bus boy, the
		bankers excited)
	Can we have the check over here for
	christ's sake.

			BUS BOY
		(rushing off)
	Yes sir!

			GEKKO
	Cover the Bluestar buy and put a
	couple hundred thou in one of those
	bow-wow stocks you mentioned. Pick
	the dog with the least fleas. Use a
	stop loss so your downside is
	50,000, and buy yourself a decent
	suit. You can't come in here
	looking like that.
		(Bud flushes, embarassed)
	Go to Morty Sills, Tell 'em I sent
	you.

			BUD
		(his genuine look)
	Mr. Gekko -- thank you for the
	chance. You won't regret this,
	you're with a winner.

			GEKKO
		(paying the check
		with cash)
	...put the rest of it in a money
	market account for now. I want to
	see what you know before I invest
	it...and save the cheap salesman
	talk, it's obvious.

			BUD
		(stung)
	Excuse me sir.

Gekko rising to leave, the Maitre d' hovering around.

			GEKKO
	You heard me...I don't like losses
	sport. Nothing ruins my day more
	than losses... You do good, you get
	perks, all kinds of perks. Stay
	home tonight. Louis, take care of
	'im. Enjoy the lunch.

Confused, Bud watches Gekko walk out of the room, pumping
extended hands left and right. He holds the cashiers check
up to his eyes, entranced by it, like a kid with his first
dollar...as the raw steak tartare with an egg on top is put
in front of him.

INT. BUD'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Bud is at his computer when the door bell rings. He's not
expecting a visitor. When he opens the door he is knocked
for a loop.

A smashing looking LADY in a fitted Chanel suit, ropes of
chains, short tight skirt, beautiful long legs, is standing
there. Taking in the apartment, she hides her distaste.

			LISA
	Hello Bud, I'm Lisa, a friend of
	Gordon's.

			BUD
		(in a daze)
	Lisa. Gordon? Oh, Mr. Gekko. Sure.
	Would you, uh, like to come in?

			LISA
	Didn't he tell you?
		(sighs)
	That's so like Gordon. Get dressed,
	we're going out.

			BUD
	We are?

EXT. BUD'S BUILDING - NIGHT

A stretch limo is parked in front, neighborhood WINOS
inspecting it. The CHAUFFEUR opens the back door, as Lisa
steps inside, Buddy in tow. The winos clap, howling at her.

INT. LIMOUSINE - NIGHT

Bud in the back seat next to Lisa, gazes out the black
tinted window as they drive away, then turns to her as she
gives him a bottle of Champagne to open.

			BUD
	So, where are we going?

			LISA
	Wherever you like, Lutece, 21, the
	River Cafe...or maybe we can just
	drive around for a while.
		(provocatively)
	Work up an appetite.

She crosses her legs. Bud's eyes moving south. He pops the
cork. Lisa does a little blow, offers him.

			LISA
	Want some?
		(he shorts)
	Gordon tells me you're a very
	talented broker. What do you like?

			BUD
		(feeling the rush)
	Like? Uh...hmmm. Well...

			LISA
	I got this guy who should know
	tells me buy Hewlitt Packard but I
	been burned on tips. What do you
	think Bud?

			BUD
	Let's see, it closed at uh, 41
	1/8...
		(his voice cracking)
	Up a quarter...very attractive...
	about average yield...

She unzips his fly.

			BUD
	Rising profits...strong balance
	sheets, good earnings per share.

			LISA
		(removing her blouse)
	So you're hot on this stock?

			BUD
		(nods, moaning)
	It's ready to take off. I'd jump
	all over it if I were you.

As she pulls up her skirt and climbs on top of Buddy.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - MORNING

Buddy, in an obviously new Mort Sills suit, struts past
Carolyn at the reception desk, in high spirits.

			CAROLYN
		(smiles)
	Morning Buddy, you look happy.

			BUD
	Any better and I'd be guilty.

			CAROLYN
		(picking up the flow)
	You were never that innocent sugarpie.

			BUD
		(coyly)
	...how do you know? You wish...

					WIPE TO:

Bud on the phone, gazing at the ticker, concern in his eyes.
CLICKING of the tape ticker comes up over the music. He
looks at Marv.

					WIPE TO:

Later. Research reports piling up. Bud's secretary trying to
get his attention. Bud's concern growing, as the green
fluorescent numbers spit across the board. CLICKER growing
louder. Pan to Marvin, hands cupped in prayer. To Dan
Steeples who closes his eyes and shakes his head.

					WIPE TO:

Close. Bud watching the tape -- dizzying, hypnotic blur of
numbers. The roar of the clicker, drowning out the music...a
runaway freight train.

					WIPE TO:

Bud's hands clamped over his eyes. The numbers stop. Noise
recedes. He opens his eyes, looks down at his desk, stacked
with reports and phone messages, as the pool secretary,
GINA, calls out. Marvin glumly coasts over in his chair.

			MARV
	Boy, we sure went down the toilet
	on that ugly bitch. If we were
	Japs, we'd have to stay with our
	aircraft.

			GINA
		(calls out)
	Mr. Gekko's office is after you. Be
	at the Wyatt Club courts at six...

Bud looks worried, at Marvin.

INT. WYATT CLUB SQUASH COURTS - DAY

Games in progress on the four courts, heavy hitting sounds.
Crossing to Gekko and Bud going at it. Bud is obviously the
worse for wear.

			GEKKO
		(amused)
	...come on sport, you gotta try
	harder, I need some exercise for
	chrissake...

			BUD
		(out of breath)
	Mr. Gekko, I don't think I can...go
	on.

			GEKKO
	...finish out the game, Bud, push
	yourself...

Meant paternally or sadistically, it's hard to tell. Gekko
hits the ball, a big fat shot. Bud returns, Gekka moves him
around the court, as if punishing him, the kid exhausted but
the ball's never quite out of reach -- till Bud finally
can't take it anymore and at the end of his breath, smashes
into the wall and collapses. Gekko laughs. Bud lying there
like a sad dog as Gekka hauls him up.

			GEKKO
	The public is out there throwing
	darts at a board, sport. I don't
	throw darts at a board. I only bet
	sure things. Read Sun Tzu's "The
	Art of War." 'every battle is won
	before it is ever fought.' Think
	about it.

He exits the squash court.

INT. WYATT CLUB STEAM ROOM - DAY

Gekko and Bud sit alone, wreathed in steam.

			BUD
		(sweating)
	Nice club, Mr. Gekko...

			GEKKO
	Yeah... not bad for a City College
	boy. Bought my way into this club
	and now every one of these ivy
	league schmucks is sucking my
	kneecaps...I just got on the Board
	of the Zoological Society, cost me
	a million; that's the thing with
	WASPS -- they like animals but they
	can't stand people!

			BUD
		(easing into it)
	Uh, Mr. Gekko, we took a little
	loss today. We got stopped out on
	Tarafly...
		(Gekko waits)
	...about 50 thousand.

Gekko's expression is frightening but cool.

			GEKKO
	I guess your father's not a union
	representative on that company.

			BUD
		(laughs, shocked)
	What? How do you know about my father?

			GEKKO
	The most valuable commodity I know
	of is information. Wouldn't you
	agree on that?

			BUD
		(exhaling deeply)
	Yes...

INT. WYATT CLUB LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Buddy is slumped on a bench after taking a shower, drinking
a Coke. Gekko towelling himself down, getting dressed...naked
man constantly stopping by to greet him. Hi Fred, hi Barry,
how's the wife...still living in Larchmont? Yeah, still
commuting... y'ever do anything with that Aetna Gas
deal...nah...fishing for information, for a possible drink
or meeting but Gekko stonewalls them all...

			GEKKO
	You're not as smart as I thought
	you were, Buddy boy, Listen hard --
	don't count on Graham and Dodd to
	make you a fortune, everybody in
	the market knows the theory, ever
	wonder why fund managers can't beat
	the S&P 500? 'Cause they're
	sheep -- and the sheep get
	slaughtered. I been in the business
	since '69. Most of these high paid
	MBAs from Harvard never make it.
	You need a system, discipline, good
	people, no deal junkies, no
	toreadores, the deal flow burns
	most people out by 35.
	Give me PSHs -- poor, smart and
	hungry. And no feelings. You don't
	win 'em all, you don't love 'em
	all, you keep on fighting, and if
	you need a friend, get a dog, it's
	trench warfare out there sport...
		(eyeing the surroundings)
	and in here too. I got twenty other
	brokers out there, analyzing Charts.
	I don't need another one. Talk to
	you sometime...

He turns to go, Bud panicking. Is this the kissoff?

			BUD
		(with all his conviction)
	I'm not just another broker Mr.
	Gekko. If you give me another
	chance, I'll prove it to you. I'll
	go the extra yard for you. One more
	chance. Please...

Gekko looks back, a beat, walks over to Bud, thrusts his
towel hard at his stomach.

			GEKKO
	You want one more chance? Then stop
	sending me information and start
	getting me some. Get dressed, I'll
	show you my charts.

INT. GEKKO LIMOUSINE - PARK AVENUE - DAY/TWILIGHT

Cruising up Park Avenue. A panel slides open next to the bar
with a portable computer on it. A television is turned on to
the evening news, a low hum of voices. Gekko punches into
the keyboard of the computer. A name appears an the screen...
LAWRENCE WILDMAN with curriculum vitae following; address,
phones, businesses...

			GEKKO
	Know the name?

			BUD
	'Course. Larry Wildman. One of the
	first raiders.

			GEKKO
		(amused, cold hatred)
	Sir Larry Wildman. Like all Brits
	he thinks he was born with a better
	pot to piss in... bribed an old
	secretary of mine to open bar mouth
	and stole RDL Pharmaceuticals right
	out from under me. Wildman the
	white knight.

			BUD
		(excited)
	I remember that deal. You were
	involved?

Gekko shuts off the computer and slides it back into the
housing, his eyes taking in the low-volume news.

			GEKKO
	Revenge is a dish best served
	cold... well, it's payback time,
	sport.
		(looking out suddenly)
	... see that building? I bought
	into it ten years ago. It was my
	first real estate deal. I sold it a
	couple of years later and made an
	$800,000 dollar profit. It was
	better than sex. At that time I
	thought that was all tne money in
	the world...
		(drinks)
	Now, it's a day's pay ... I had a
	mole in Wildman's employ. Gave me
	half the picture, then he got fired...

			BUD
	I don't understand.

			GEKKO
	Wildman's in town. He just became
	an American citizen. Something
	big's about to go down. I want to
	know where he goes and who he sees.
	I want you, sport, to give me the
	missing half of the picture...

			BUD
	Follow him? Mr. Gekko I...
		(shaken)
	It's not what I do. I could lose my
	license. If the SEC found out, I
	could go to jail. It's inside
	information, isn't it?

			GEKKO
		(scratches his head wryly)
	Inside information. Oh you mean
	like when a father tells his son
	about a court ruling on an airline?
	Or someone overhears me saying I'm
	gonna buy Teldar Paper? Or the
	chairman of the board of XYZ
	suddenly knows it's time to blow
	out XYZ. You mean that?
		(a piercing look)
	I'm afraid sport, unless you got a
	father on the board of directors of
	another company, you and I are
	gonna have a hard time doing any
	business...

Bud downs the rest of his drink, upset by the darkening mood.
There's something very powerful and frighteninq about Gekko.

			BUD
	What about hard work?

			GEKKO
	What about it? You work hard. I'll
	bet you stayed up all night
	analyzing that dog you bought. And
	where'd it get you?... my father
	worked hard too like an elephant
	pushing electrical supplies. And he
	dropped dead at 49 with a heart
	attack and a tax bill and the bank
	pissed on his grave and took the
	house; my mom ended up working in a
	dish factory... Wake up pal, if
	you're not inside you're outside.
	And I'm not talking a $200,000 a
	year working Wall Street stiff
	flying first class and being
	"comfortable", I'm talking rich
	pal, rich enough to fly in your own
	jet, rich enough not to waste time,
	50-100 million, a player Bud -- or
	nothing. You had what it takes to
	let through my door. Next question:
	You got what it takes to stay...??

The car stopping in traffic. Horns honking.

			GEKKO
		(pointing)
	Look out there...

THEIR POV -- a STREET CORNER. A richly dressed EXECUTIVE
stands at the curb next to the BUM with a shopping cart
filled with garbage.

			GEKKO (O.S.)
	You really think the difference
	'tween this guy and that guy is
	luck? Mohammed, pull over.

The car pulls over. Gekko checks his watch, pulls out the
telephone.

			GEKKO
	...when it comes to money, sport,
	everybody's of the same religion.
	Or should be... Hope you don't mind
	if I let you off here, I'm late for
	a meeting. Good bye, nice knowing you.

EXT. PARK AVENUE - TWLIGHT

The CHAUFFEUR lets Bud out the door... Bud looks back at Gekko.

			BUD
	All right, Mr. Gekko...you got me.

His eyes telling us he is weighed down by chains of guilt.

Gekko smiles, gazes at the twilight skyline, a sudden look
of contentment.

			GEKKO
	Yeah, it's a beautiful night. I
	love this hot stinkin' city.
		(pointing up Park Avenue)
	... nothing else like it in the
	world. Seven million people living
	on each other's heads, kids born,
	millionaires dying, people praying,
	junkies, whores, wills, lawyers,
	deals, parties, sex... guys like
	you sport -- dreaming about the big
	score. You know the best thing
	about New York is everything you
	can do here. And the worst thing is
	everything you can't do here...

He shuts the door. Bud watches as the limo drives off.

EXT. FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENT - DAY

Bud, in a suit, waits next to a motorcycle across from one
of the most desirable addresses in New York.

The Doorman rushes to open the door under the canopy as a
tall strong man in his fifties emerges with a LAWYER TYPE
and a FEMALE EXECUTIVE. The man is SIR LAWRENCE WILDMAN and
his manner and gait convey the impression of an authoritative
presence with little patience as the chauffeur opens the
door and he slides into the back seat of the limo.

Buddy, astride Marv's Kawasaki 500, hits the streets after
him. The music through the following Montage should suggest
a chase brio.

EXT. WALL STREET BUILIDING - DAY

Bud shooting past the Trinity Church structure... Wildman
gets out of his limo with his people, strides into the lobby.

Bud quickly parks his bike on the sidewalk and rushes in
after them... not a second too late.

INT. LOBBY - WALL STREET BUILDING - DAY

Bud just manages squeeze in the elevator with Wildman and
crew -- and -- a couple of other early birds -- as the doors
close.

INT. ELEVATOR - DAY

Bud eyeing Wildman, looks away as Wildman looks back at him,
an edge of defiance to him, why are you staring at me? Not
the world's most likeable personality.

INT. KAHN, SEIDELMAN - OUTER OFFICE - DAY

The doors open and Wildman and Co. step out into the
reception area of Kahn, Seidelman... The doors close and
Buddy continues upward.

EXT. WALL STREET BUILDING - LATER MORNING

The street now jammed with people hurrying to work. Buddy
paces the curb, reacting when Wildman walks out, saying
goodbye to the female executive and getting in the limo with
his lawyer... Buddy follows.

INT. LE CIRQUE RESTAURANT - PARK AVENUE - DAY

Formal French haute cuisine. Power lunches in progress. As
Wildman is seated with several well-dressed BANKERS at a
good table, Bud tries to wrangle a table (next to Mr.
Wildman on top of everything from a stiff looking Maitre d'
who shakes his head, barely concealing his attitude towards
Buddy's youth and general demeanor.

EXT. LE CIRQUE - DAY

Buddy waits outside, bored, as Wildman steps out, shakes
hands with the bankers... Bud making an entry into his
notebook like any good spy.

EXT. MIDTOWN TUNNEL QUEENS - DAY

Music rising to triumphant proportions. AERIAL SHOT of Limo
emerging from the tunnel and onto the Long Island Expressway.
CAMERA MOVES IN, picking up Buddy on the Kawasaki, darting
through lanes, staying several car lengths behind.

EXT. LAGUARDIA AIRPORT - DAY

The Limo winds its way along the perimeter road, past
commercial airliners. It takes the turnoff for Butler
Aviation. Buddy exits the ramp shortly after them.

EXT. BUTLER AVIATION AIRFIELD - DAY

A corporate saberliner jet, its engines running, idles at
the end of the taxiway. The limo pulls up along the tarmac
next to it and Wildman steps out, walking past a MECHANIC to
the stairs of the plane. A STEWARDESS waits for him.

EXT. RAMP - DAY

Bud watches, wondering what to do as the plane taxies down
the runway. He spots the flight mechanic and the answer
comes to him. He starts running towards the mechanic.

EXT. APRON - DAY

Bud races up to the mechanic.

			BUD
	Oh shit, don't tell me Mr. Wildman
	was on board that plane?
		(the mechanic nods)
	My boss is gonna kill me. I was
	supposed to give him this.
		(holding his notebook)
	You know where that plane is going?

			MECHANIC
		(walking off)
	Erie, Pennsylvania...

INT. PHONE BOOTH - AIRLINES TERMINAL - DAY

			BUD
		(into phone, proudly)
	...after spending the morning at
	Kahn, Seidelman -- on the 14th
	floor, the junk bond department --
	where Shane Mora works -- he had
	lunch at La Cirque with a group of
	well-dressed heavyset bean-
	counters...
		(Gekko voice back:
		"the adjectives are
		redundant, sport")
	...he later stopped off at Morgan.
	I'd say from all the palm-pressing
	and sweet smiling going on that
	Larry got some nice fat financing...
	G.G.

INT. GEKKO LIMOUSINE - HEADING DOWN PARK AVENUE - DAY

Alex and Susan are with him. Gekko playing the computer,
eyes lighting up on the phone.

			GEKKO
	...bright but not bright enough,
	Sherlock, roll the dice and play a
	little monopoly... what box would
	Sir Lawrence land on in Erie,
	Pennsylvania?

INT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY

Bud slapping his face, realizing.

			BUD
	Jesus Christ, he's buying Anacott
	Steel!

INT. GEKKO LIMO - DAY

Gordon already has the closing figures punched up on his
quotron. Calls his shot.

			GEKKO
	When the market opens tomorrow, buy
	five thousand March fifty calls.
	You hear me? Start buying ten
	thousand share blocks and take it
	up to fifty dollars. When it
	reaches fifty, you can let out a
	little taste to your friends.
	Then call this number -- 555-7617:
	tell the man "blue horseshoe loves
	Anacott Steel..." You scored, Buddy!
	Be in touch.
		(hangs up)


He hangs up, looks at Alex and Susan.

			GEKKO
	Start buying Anacott Steel all over
	the board.

INT. BLUESTAR MAINTENANCE HANGAR - SAME DAY

A large company banner hangs from the rafters: "Bluestar -
The Vision Goes On." Buddy's father, Carl, Charley Dent and
Dominick Amato are changing the generator on a 727. A welder
is repairing a wing seam. Buddy shouting to his Dad over the
noise.

			BUD
	Hey Dad!... Hi ya Charlie...
	Dominick...

They wave back, Carl climbing down a maintenance stand...
lights up a cigarette.

			CARL
	What brings you out here...

			BUD
	Client. Got a private jet over at
	Butler Aviation... Dad, you always
	gotta light up when you see me,
	it's the...

			CARL
		(don't bother me look)
	Don't start, alright.

			BUD
	Alright. Why so pissed?

			CARL
	Goddamn fare wars are murdering us.
	Had to lay off five guys. Nothing I
	could do. What is it... money?

Bud takes out his wallet, smiles, peels out 10 $100 bills.

			BUD
	Yeah, it is. In fact I'm doing
	great. New client. Whole new league.
	It's starting to happen Dad. The
	Big Leagues! You know what I'm saying.

He sticks the cash in his hand.

			CARL
		(doesn't)
	Sure...lots of guys at the track
	talk like that... but how do you
	know you'll have any dough next
	month...
		(looking at the money)
	What's this? I gave you two hundred.

			BUD
	Dividend. I figure I owe you about
	five thousand in nickels and dimes...

			CARL
		(tries to give it back)
	...don't be crazy. Put it to your
	school loans.

			BUD
	Don't worry about the loans. I'm
	doing good Dad and it's gonna stay
	that way now... least buy yourself
	a new suit.

			CARL
	What do I need a fancy suit for. I
	don't hobnob with the jet set. I
	just fix their planes.

Buddy forces the money into his hand.

			BUD
	...then buy yourself a decent
	bowling jacket so when you take Mom
	out you don't look like the Roto
	Rooter man. Come on, for godsakes,
	that's what money's for. Enjoy
	yourself...

Touched, his father shakes his head and smiles. He takes it.

			CARL
	Problem with money is you never
	have enough or you got too much --
	and when you got it you're never
	happy 'cause somebody's always
	trying to take it away from you.
	Money's one giant pain in the ass
	y'ask me... thanks.

			BUD
		(admiration)
	... Dad, you should've been a CEO.
	How about dinner?

			CARL
	Whatever night you like.

			BUD
		(remembering)
	Wait... next week's booked. Let me
	check with my girl and get back to
	you on Monday.

			CARL
		(laughs at his new lifestyle)
	Yeah, you do that huckleberry. I'll
	still be here.

			BUD
	...gotta run Dad. You stop smoking,
	you hear?

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud silent, an intent look on his face, gazing up at the
digital clock... as it flicks to 9:30... post time.

Tickers, squawk boxes and shouting erupt.

Bud calls in his order: "10,000 AN STL 46... and let me know
how the options are opening."

Music skips along in a revolving madcap fashion.

INT. FLOOR OF AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE - DAY

A CLERK hands the buy order to the FLOOR MANAGER. He starts
writing a ticket as we pull back:

INT. AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE - DAY

Company floor traders are jammed into a narrow booth,
frantically takinq orders over phones and telex machines.

The FLOOR MANAGER gives the ticket to a RUNNER, a young man
wearing worn sneakers, who dashes off. We follow him across
the scruffy Exchange Floor, as he weaves through a crush of
traders crammed around horseshoe-shaped kiosks, cathode-ray
tubes slung above them, displaying the latest prices in
bright, green letters and numbers. Intermittent shrieks and
howls, calls to buy and sell, issue from the far reaches of
the labyrinthian room.

As in the final leg of a relay race, the RUNNER hands the
ticket off to a COMPANY TRADER, who is buying and selling at
the post where Anacott Steel is traded. The TRADER checks
the ticket and turns to the SPECIALIST, executing the order.

The camera moves up as the Anacott Steel (AN STL) quote
flashes across the broad tape -- as the price ticks up from
46 to 46 1/4.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud paces nervously at his desk, looking at his quotron. AN
STL appears on the screen, now up to 47. Bud puts in another
order.

INT. STOCK EXCHANGE FLOOR - DAY

The SAME RUNNER races over, handing Bud's next TICKET to the
COMPANY TRADER.

Tilt up to the broad tape.

As ANACOTT STEEL, AN STL, rises to 48 1/8.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

On Bud, eating a sandwich, eyes glued to the ticker. AN STL
has climbed to 48 3/4. Marv stalks by, shouting on the phone.
Bud looks away from the ticker, pretending to read a report.
When Marv disappears, Bud hastily calls in at 49.

INT. STOCK EXCHANGE FLOOR - DAY

On the tired RUNNER dodging through the crowd, and over to
the TRADER handing him a new ticket.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Close on the OFFICE TICKER -- as Anacott Steel hits 50.

Buddy jumps up from his chair, and animatedly crosses to
Marv who is on the phone, cold calling.

			MARV
	Tell Mr. Ehrlich I've got important
	financial news! It concerns his
	future.

Bud presses down on the phone button, cutting him off.

			MARV
	What the hell...

			BUD
	Anacott Steel. Buy it.

Marv looks at Joe and sees a look on his face that he's
never seen before.

			MARV
		(nervous)
	Anacott Steel -- right.

Bud leaves, Marv re-dials.

			MARV
	Dr. Beltzer, you're gonna love this!

Lou Mannheim hangs up the phone, a troubled look. Bud leans
into his office.

			BUD
	Mr. Mannheim, got a sure thing.
		(whispering)
	Anacott Steel.

			MANNHEIM
		(scoffs)
	No such thing Bud - 'cept death and
	taxes. Not a good company anymore,
	no fundamentals. What's going on
	Bud? Do you know something?
		(Bud uncomfortable,
		Lou reads it)
	Remember there're no short cuts
	son, quick buck artists come and go
	with every bull market but the
	steady players make it through the
	bear markets.
		(Bud anxious to go)
	You're part of something here, Bud.
	The money you make for people
	creates science and research jobs.
	Don't sell that out.

			BUD
	You're right, Mr. Mannheim, but you
	gotta get to the big time first,
	then you can be a pillar and do
	good things.

			MANNHEIM
	Can't get a little bit pregnant, Bud.

			BUD
	It's a winner Mr. Mannheim, trust
	me -- buy.
		(exits)


Charlie Cushing's on the phone.

			CHARLIE
	Gotcha baby, its do-able... meet
	you at the Wyatt Club... 3pm Dinner
	Thursday... Indochina. Then we'll
	kamikaze down to Nell's, chase a
	little cotton underwear--I know
	this 18 year old bimbo, man... you
	can take it to the bank...
		(hangs up)


			BUD
		(intersects)
	Wanna play some tennis Saturday?

			CHARLIE
	You mean teach you how to play.
	Can't. Going fly fishing in Canada,
	big client...

			BUD
		(disappointed)
	...you take that Anacott Steel?

			CHARLIE
		(winks)
	...light snack, but good, thanks
	pal, you're sharking your way up...

Dan Steeples's talking confidentially on the phone.

			STEEPLES
	I've just heard the most lovely two
	words... 'Anacott Steel.'

Buddy dialing the phone number that Gekko gave him. He
speaks into the receiver, in a hushed voice.

			BUD
	...Blue horseshoe loves Anacott
	Steel.
		(hangs up)


INT. WALL STREET JOURNAL OFFICE - DAY

The REPORTER on the other end of the phone hangs up. He
rises from his desk, strides across the busy news floor,
over to an ASSOCIATE.

			REPORTER
	Anacott Steel's in play. Check the
	arbs.

EXT. GEKKO BEACH HOUSE - BRIDGEHAMPTON - TWILIGHT

Wind and waves. Gekko's modern, Sante Fe structure house
sits on a dune overlooking the grey Atlantic.

			GEKKO (V.O.)
	Sweeten the offer, throw 2 bucks
	more in a convertible preferred.
	And 5 year contracts for themselves.

INT. GEKKO LIVING ROOM - DAY

Immense slanted ceilings, a vast clean modern space filled
with dozens of contemporary art objects, junk sculptures,
floor to ceiling windows radiating light, that look out on a
cantilevered deck and pool - and the ocean beyond.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
		(on the phone)
	... Cromwell wants to play
	financial chicken with me, we'll
	see who swerves first. Where the
	hell's Gene?

Gekko slumps down on a sofa, exhausted, watching one of
several news reports he master-controls with a remote.

			SUSAN
		(on phone)
	You sent him to Vermont to get the
	deposition from the CEO Cromwell
	fired.

			GEKKO
	...done and done. Night gang, and
	Susan no legs waving in the air
	tonight. I want you dreaming about
	Teldar Paper.

During this, RUDY, Gordon's 3 year-old son, drives in in the
latest electronic baby toy -- a Porsche-bodied electric car.
Gekko hangs up, checks out a Reuters quotron positioned nearby.

			GEKKO
	Rudy Kazootee, how's my cutie!

The kid jumps out of the car and scoots into his father's lap.

			RUDY
	Daddy bad boy! Bad boy! -- play
	with Wudi... Now!

			GEKKO
	No, not now Rudy. Daddy's making
	money to buy you toys. Daddy work.

			RUDY
	Daddy work bad boy!

Gordon absently tossles Rudy's hair, his eyes glued to the
TV. The kid senses it, jumps back off his lap and into the car.

			BUSINESS ANALYST
	...the big story tonight is Anacott
	Steel which closed at 51 1/8.  Up 5
	1/8 from yesterday's close on heavy
	trading...

Kate, Gordon's beautiful, raven-haired wife, homemaker and
antiquer, enters with the bovine-eyed AU PAIR GIRL from
France... just at Rudy drives his car into a wall where it
stalls, engines grinding.

			KATE
	I think somebody's playing hooky
	from the bathtub. Rudy, say good
	night DAddy...

			GEKKO
		(can't hear, to Kate)
	Shut that off, willya!

Kate, upset with the noise, tries to pull her son nicely out
of the car.

The Korean HOUSEBOY coming in.

			HOUSEBOY
	Calls for you, sir, a reporter from
	Time magazine on two, says it's
	important... and a Mr. Fox on three.
 
		GEKKO
		(annoyed)
	I come to the country and it's
	worse than the city! I'm not home...
		(changes mind, pushes in)
	Yeah?

			BUD
		(off)
	Mr. Gekko, I've been trying to
	reach you. We got the options. We
	got a good execution on them!

Meanwhile, the kid has no intention of going anywhere and
plants his feet and emits the loudest shrieking this side of
the fat lady in the opera.

			GEKKO
	Nicole! Take him will you...

Handing the bawling, writhing mass of anger to Nicole as if
it were laundry she doesn't want to touch... Nicole takes
him screaming out of the room... Gordon trying to concentrate
on the TV.

					INTERCUT TO:

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Papers and charts are strewn around, trailing down to a box
of take-out pizza and empty beer bottles. Bud has stayed late.

			BUD
		(almost apologetic,
		speeding on the high
		of the buy...)
	I got all I could get which was
	750,000 shares plus 5000 March 50
	calls. Average price of $47 a share
	And $4 per contract for the call. I
	just wish I could've got more.

			GEKKO
	Don't expect to get it all, sport,
	you'll burn out. First rule of
	business is never get emotional
	about stock, clouds the judgment.
	Where do we stand?
 
		BUSINESS ANALYST
	In response to an inquiry from the
	New York Stock Exchange, management
	issued a terse no comment. Wildman
	would not return phone calls.
	Analysts believe the company is
	worth $75 per share in a transaction.

			KATE
	John and Carmen are here and the
	Livingstons are on their way...

			GEKKO
		(nods, listening to phone)
	I'll be right there, fix them a drink.

			BUD
		(shifting the figures)
	...we have 37.2 million invested.
	At this point, we're up 3.1 million
	and some change. If it goes to 75
	bucks we can clean close to 12 mill.

			GEKKO
		(smiles)
	You're walking between the
	raindrops kid. I expect Sir Larry
	is choking on his royal chamber pot
	by now.

			BUD
	My firm needs your signature on
	these option agreements tonight,
	sir, otherwise we could take a real
	bath tomorrow.

			GEKKO
		(sighs)
	...Can't it wait? I'm good for it.
		(Bud waits, "Sir")
	...Awright. Come out, get the
	directions from Natalie and hurry up.

EXT. GEKKO'S BEACH HOUSE - BRIDGEHAMPTON - NIGHT

Bud's P.O.V. as he pulls up to an austere, ultra-
sophisticated monolith of glass and wood dominating a
stretch of dune overlooking the Atlantic's angry surf.
Several Jags, state of the art Jeeps and a Rolls are drawn
up outside.

Bud, getting out of his faded Honda, goes up the stairs to
the door. He rings several times.

A BLACK BUTLER opens it and looks at Buddy somewhat warily.
Laughter and voices are heard from inside.

			BUTLER
		(pretentiously: high
		English accent)
	Can I help you?

			BUD
	Bud Fox. Got some papers for Mr.
	Gekko to sign.

			BUTLER
	Wait a moment please.

Without thinking he closes the door in Joe's face. He stands
there, harrassed peering around through a window on the lawn.
A small gathering of friends in progress around a glowing
fireplace. The butler waves him in from the door.

INT. GEKKO ALCOVE - NIGHT

Bud enters, as Gekko approaches.  He seems annoyed to be
disturbed at his country home.

			BUD
		(apologetic)
	Sorry, Mr. Gekko.

			GEKKO
		(takes the papers)
	Allright. Wait here...

About to go when his wife, Kate Gekko, comes over. A pretty
dark-haired woman.

			KATE
	Problems?

			GEKKO
	No... Bud Fox, my wife, Kate...

They exchange pleasantries.

			KATE
	You came from the city?
		(with a look to Gordon)
	Long drive, have a drink.

Gekko doesn't seem to like the idea, but...

			GEKKO
	Yeah, why not, Bud boy...
 
Kate's walking back inside to her guests, as Bud sidles over
to Gekko.

			BUD
	...if you'd rather not, Mr. Gekko,
	I can leave...

INT. GEKKO LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

They cross to the main living room.

			GEKKO
	...It's okay Buddy, you know Alex...
	Candice Rogers.
		(Alex and his date
		shake hands, faintly aloof)
	...This is Stone Livingston... and
	his wife Muffie.
		(a young stuffy
		banker in weekend
		corduroys looks at
		Bud as if he
		obviously doesn't belong)
	...Darien Taylor, Sam Ruspoli,
	Carmen Winters, Dick Brady... All
	old friends.

Bud looking wide-eyed at the beautiful "Calvados" BLONDE
he's been dreaming of for weeks... she's with Mr. GQ and
doesn't recognize Bud, nods back, they all nod back,
naturally suspicious of the young outsider... Rudy's TOY
ROBOT wheels  around the floor with a drink on its tray,
talking computer talk...

			STONE LIVINGSTON
		(charmed by it)
	...good idea Gordon, good help is
	hard to find these days but can he
	whip up a dry vodka martini...

			GEKKO
	...well he doesn't talk back or
	steal the silver and Dick's gonna
	get me an exemption on him, aren't
	you...
		(Dick Brady is
		obviously an accountant)


Bud plucks a glass of wine from the robot's tray and plunks
himself down on a sofa, overhearing the conversation between
Muffie Livingston and Candice Rogers.

			MUFFIE
	...there I am in St. Kitt's in my
	new Kamali leopard skin V-cut
	bikini which is going to turn back
	the clock on our marriage five
	years, you know what I mean, and I
	can't even fit into it, my skin's
	all pink and inflamed, and I look
	like a walking social disease all
	because this Ukranian bitch botched
	the wax on my bikini line.

			CANDICE
		(revolted)
	Oh my god, how ghastly, you should
	sue her...

The Korean houseboy has come over to Gekko.

			HOUSEBOY
	Call for you sir. Sir Larry
	Wildman, he says it's important...

Bud tightens, so does the whole room hearing the name of the
moment. Gekko smiles at Buddy.

			GEKKO
		(to houseboy)
	Make Mr. Livingston a martini would
	you Nyung, and this gentleman...
		(to Bud)
	Stick around, this could be fun...

He goes to the alcove to take the call.

			MUFFIE
	So, I had to sit around the beach
	wearing a moo-moo for 10 days, my
	whole vacation ruined.
		(noticing as Bud
		laughs, chokes on the
		wine, spilling some
		on the couch)
	You just spilled your wine.

Bud noticing the stain, starts wiping it.

			CANDICE
	You're just making it worse.

INT. GEKKO ALCOVE - NIGHT (RAIN)

			GEKKO
		(on phone)
	Larry, what a surprise...
		(beat)
	Can it wait till tomorrow. I got
	some people over.
		(dryly)
	...if you feel that way Larry, come
	over.

INT. GEKKO LIVINGROOM - NIGHT (RAIN)

The blonde, DARIEN TAYLOR, is examining a modern sculpture
as Buddy comes over with two Calvados.

			BUD
	Hello again, I been holding these
	drinks for us for the last three
	weeks.

			DARIEN
		(uncomprehending)
	Excuse me.

			BUD
	Grand Marnier. A romantic and
	tragic drink.

			DARIEN
	Oh yes, I remember you.

			BUD
	Destiny took us apart, but I knew
	it would bring us back together.

			DARIEN
	Aha. Poet or philosopher?

			BUD
	Stock broker. As in: never have so
	few done so little for so much. So
	what do you see in this?

Bud indicates the painting in front of them -- a buffalo
skull in the desert by Georgia O'Keefe.

			DARIEN
	I'd give anything to have this in
	my house, even for a week.

			BUD
	...few thousand dollars down the
	drain if you ask me.

			DARIEN
	Oh really?
		(looks at him quizically)
	Well, I guess you can kiss that
	career as an art appraiser goodbye,
	because we paid over four hundred
	thousand for it at the contemporary
	picture sale last June.

			BUD
		(chokes)
	You could have a great beach house
	for that.

			DARIEN
	Sure you could, in Wildwood, New
	Jersey. If you sold this,
		(indicates a Rothko
		hanging near the O'Keefe)
	you could have a pretty nice
	penthouse on Fifth. But you
	wouldn't have much left over for
	decoration.

			BUD
	Boy, I thought Gordon was a tough
	businessman, but somebody's really
	taking him to the cleaners here.

			DARIEN
	Not really. I'd say that Gordon is
	one of the most astute collectors
	around. He has a great eye and he
	only buys the best. Like this rug
	for instance, a silk Tabriz, the
	finest of its kind. The day after
	he bought it in London, a dealer
	representing the Saudi Royal Family
	offered him twice what he paid. It
	absolutely makes the room. See how
	this little bit of celadon in the
	border is picked up in the cushions
	oh the sofa... although...
		(she's really warming
		up to her subject now)
	I don't know if I would have used
	that tea dipped linen for the
	upholstery - too dingy.
	And it's a sacrilege having that
	Pre-Columbian pot in the center of
	the coffee table. Some dope might
	use it as an ashtray.

			BUD
	I gather you're a decorator.

			DARIEN
	You got it, a great spender of
	other people's money.

			BUD
	Well, if you're that good, you
	could probably do wonders at my place.

			DARIEN
	Where is it?

			BUD
	Upper West Side.

			DARIEN
		(losing interest fast)
	Oh really. Home of the exposed
	brick wall and the
		(shudders)
	houseplant.

			BUD
	Oh it's just a rental. I'm moving
	to the East Side soon. I've got a
	couple of deals brewing with Gordon.
		(shifts uncomfortably
		with his pretension)
	but that's just conversation...
	what about real things? Like dinner.
	The two of us. Friday. Cafe. Santo
	Domingo.

Bud waits, staring suddenly and deeply into her eyes.

			DARIEN
	What if I have a previous engagement?

			BUD
	Break it.

			DARIEN
	I guess this must be destiny
	alright. My first yuppie apartment
	and...
		(pats him on the
		cheek flirtatiously)
	my first yuppie.

			BUD
		(gives her a steely glare)
	You may call me a yuppie... It's
	Mister Yuppie to you.

They both laugh.

			BUD
		(gets serious)
	So. See you Friday.

			DARIEN
	You really do believe in destiny?

			BUD
	Only if I want something bad enough.

Her date, Mr. GQ, SAMMY RUSPOLI intersects with Kate. A
cultivated European air.

			SAM
	...there you go again, Darien,
	talking with strange men.

			KATE
	That's our Darien: elusive,
	reclusive, exclusive.
		(to Sam)
	You know Bud right? He works for
	Gordon...
		(Sam nodding, makes
		conversation, big smile)
	Sam's in banking. You staying for
	dinner Bud?

			BUD
		(hesitant, eyes Darien)
	No, I'm afraid I've got to get some
	work...

Kate noticing the doorbell ringing.

			KATE
	...excuse me.

Sam muttering something in Darien's ear of an intimate
nature. She glides away with him.

			DARIEN
		(to Bud)
	Call me next week, I'll give you an
	estimate...

An ironic promise in her eyes... Bud ecstatic inside...
looks over, goes to the foyer...

INT. GEKKO ALCOVE - NIGHT (RAIN)

SIR LARRY WILDMAN walks in, his country gentleman clothing
somewhat softening his imposing figure but not the cultured
rapacious eagle's face. With him a lawyer.

			KATE
		(strained)
	Larry, how have you been? Get you a
	drink?

			WILDMAN
		(slightly impatient)
	Oh fine. Travelling actually.
	Nothing thank you. Is...

			KATE
	Gordon?... He's right here.

As Gordon intersects, casually tasting a spot of the dinner.

			GEKKO
	Larry! Excuse me "sir" Larry, great
	to see you again, you're looking
	good.
		(handshakes)


			WILDMAN
	Gordon...
		(sniffing the guests
		and furnishings in
		the room as if they
		were stale air)


			BUD
		(leaving, to Gordon)
	I guess I'll head back...
 
		GEKKO
		(spontaneously)
	Stick around... Larry, one of my
	"gang" -- Bud Fox.

Pleasantries. Bud nervously shakes hands, sensing Wildman
might recognize him from being tailed in the elevator. There
indeed is a moment but Wildman's attention blurs as...

			GEKKO
	Shall we go upstairs?

INT. GEKKO DEN - NIGHT (RAIN)

Gordon enters a den lined with old books hunting prints;  he
proudly picks up something from his gun collection.

			GEKKO
	Rarest pistol in the world, Larry,
	a .45 Luger. Only six were ever
	manufactured.

			WILDMAN
	Congratulations but rarer still is
	your interest in Anacott Steel.

			GEKKO
	The same interest as yours Larry.
	Money. I thought it'd be a good
	investment for my kid...

			WILDMAN
	No. This time I'm in for the long
	term. This is not a liquidation,
	Gordon. I'm going to turn it around.
	You're getting a free ride on my
	tail, mate, and with the dollars
	you're costing me to buy back the
	stock, I could modernize the plant.
	I'm not the only one who pays here
	Gordon. We're talking about lives
	and jobs; three and four generations
	of steel workers...

A strong hint of the cockney working class east and London
boy whiffing through his speech and manner. The "mate" is
tough and to the point but not insulting...

			GEKKO
		(has to smile)
	You must be wearing a mask you're
	laughing so hard behind it Larry.
	Let's cut the "sir" crap. Correct
	me if I'm wrong, but when you took
	CNX Electronics, you laid off 8,000
	workers, Jessmon Fruit about 6,000,
	that airline...

			WILDMAN
		(cold, deliberate)
	I could break you, mate, in two
	pieces over my knees, you know it,
	I know it, I could buy you six
	times ever, I could dump the stock
	just to burn your ass but I happen
	to want the company and I want your
	block of shares. I'm announcing a
	tender offer at 65 tomorrow, and
	I'm expecting your commitment.

Bud watching this drama unfold. Gekko is about to blow,
controls it.

			GEKKO
	Showdowns bore me Larry, neither
	side wins. You can have the
	company, in fact it's gonna be fun
	watching you and your giant ego try
	to make a horserace out of it...
		(turns to Bud)
	What do you think is a fair price
	for our stock Bud?

Bud in the spotlight. The eyes all shift to him -- his
moment. After an initial panic, he's cool as a cucumber --
and ruthless as his mentor.

			BUD
	The break up value is higher. It's
	worth 80.

			GEKKO
	But we don't want to be greedy now,
	so let's let him have it at $72.

His eyes to Wildman who looks at him, cold, icy mean.

			WILDMAN
	You're a two bit pirate and a
	green-mailer, Gekko, nothing more...
	not only would you sell your mother
	to make a deal, you'd send her COD...

Bud looking sharply as Gekko's eyes flare with hot white anger.

			GEKKO
	My mail's the same color as yours
	Larry. Or it was till the Queen
	started calling you "sir". Now
	excuse me before I lose my temper...

He rises and exits.

			WILDMAN
	$71...

Gekko stops at the door, a beat.

			GEKKO
	Considering you brought my mother
	into it, $71.50.

			WILDMAN
	Done. You'll hear from my lawyers.
	8 a.m. Good night.

He walks out with the silent lawyer. Past Gekko who watches.
"Ta Ta".

			GEKKO
		(to Bud)
	He's right. I had to sell. The key
	to the game is your capital
	reserves. You don't have enough,
	you can't pee in the tall weeds
	with the big dogs.

			BUD
		(mimicking Gordon now)
	"All warfare is based on
	deception..." Sun Tzu says, If your
	enemy is superior, evade him, if
	angry, irritate him, if equally
	matched, fight... if not, split and
	reevaluate.

			GEKKO
	You're learning, sport...

INT. BUD'S APARTMENT - PRE-DAWN

Exhausted from the drive back, Bud takes off his sweater and
tie and collapses onto the bed, closing his eyes. The phone
rings. With a start he wakes and answers it.

			BUD
	Yeah?...

					INTERCUT TO:

EXT. GEKKO'S BEACH HOUSE - DAWN

The sky is still dark, the first rays of light coming up
over the ocean. Gekko, a lonely figure in a windbreaker,
restlessly prowls the edge of the beach, waves crashing
around him. He's been up all night and has an exhausted,
driven look as he whispers over the wind into the cellular
phone...

			GEKKO
	Money never sleeps pal. When I came
	in in '69, they traded six hours a
	day, now the clock don't stop,
	London's deregulated, the Orient is
	hungrier than us. Just let the
	money circle the world, sport,
	buying and selling, and if you're
	smart it comes back paying. I just
	made $800,000 in Hong Kong gold.
	It's been wired to you -- play with
	it. You done good, but you gotta
	keep doing good. I showed you how
	the game works, now school's out.

			BUD
		(protests)
	Mr. Gekko, I'm there for you 110%.

			GEKKO
	You don't understand. I want to be
	surprised...astonish me, sport, new
	info, don't care where or how you
	get it, just get it... My wife
	tells me you put a move on Darien.
	Here's some inside info for you.
	That Euroflash GQ guy she's going
	with's got big bucks but he's
	putting her feet to sleep. Exit
	visas are imminent. So don't lose
	your place in line.
		(gazing at the surf)
	Oh, jeez, I wish you could see this.
	The lights coming up over the water.
	I've never seen a painting that
	captures the beauty of the ocean at
	this moment.
		(suddenly fatigued)
	...an old Russian proverb - "a
	fisherman always sees another
	fisherman from afar." I like you
	sport, I ever tell you that...
	Gordon, call me Gordon from now on.

			BUD
		(off)
	...Gordon.

			GEKKO
	Yeah, I'm gonna make you rich, Bud
	Fox. I'm gonna make you rich enough
	you can afford a girl like Darien.
	Remember, power is the best
	aphrodisiac. This is your wake-up
	call. Go to work.

He lets the phone drop to his side, staring glazed-eyed at
the ocean.

INT. ROGER BARNES' OFFICE - EARLY EVENING

A SECRETARY leads Bud into the plush, private office of a
cocky young lawyer, ROGER BARNES, about tho same age as Bud,
his his feet up on the desk, sleepily waving to Buddy to
park his ass... The pictures an his walls and desk indicate
a rich family.

			ROGER
	Fox, Bud D. is this deja vu or has
	it really been a year. You're not
	hitting me up for NYU are you?

			BUD
	Well we're thinking of putting up a
	statue of you in the subway. I hear
	you're moving up in the world. An
	associate already. Not bad. How's
	Margie?

			ROGER
	Can't complain. Got a house in
	Oyster Bay. Market treating you
	good? Still seeing that sexy French
	gal?

			BUD
	Nah, she asked the wrong question.

			ROGER
	What was that?

			BUD
	"What are you thinking?"...that was
	it. The hours are hell, but the
	money's starting to tumble in. I
	know this guy who's got an iron-
	clad way to make money, I can't
	lose and I can't get hurt.

			ROGER
		(interested)
	So, does "this guy" have a tip for
	an honest lawyer?

			BUD
	Yeah, check out Teldar Paper, it's
	still not over.

			ROGER
	Okay.

			BUD
	What about you, I hear you guys are
	handling the Fairchild Foods merger
	and it may not be going through.
	Any surprises I haven't read about
	in the Wall Street Journal?

			ROGER
		(casually)
	Come on Buddy, you wouldn't want to
	got me disbarred now would you?

			BUD
		(equally casual,
		looks at the walls)
	Who's listening? It's just one
	college buddy talking to another.

			ROGER
		(sarcastic)
	Yeah, right...

			BUD
	Relax, Roger, everybody's doing it
	but you don't know, you don't know.

			ROGER
	...and if I did, what's in it for moi?

He obviously has thought about it before. Bud smiles back,
nonchalant.

			BUD
	More money than you ever dreamed,
	Roger. And the thing is no one gets
	hurt...how bout a beer?

			ROGER
		(some doubt)
	Too much to do...but I'll walk you
	out.

INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE ROGER BARNES' OFFICE - EVENING

They walk out past the CLEANING CREWS coming in for the
evening, drones of the vacuum cleaners...

Bud looks - his POV... A CLEANING WOMAN as she pulls the
vacuum cleaner into one of the senior partners offices, the
desk crammed with proposals, Bud is lost in thought.

			ROGER
		(teasing)
	...Get inside my uncle's door
	Buddy, all the secrets of the world
	are yours... the life blood of
	companies, but you gotta go to law
	school first...

EXT. BARNES' OFFICE BUILDING - NIGHT

Bud comes out of the building and starts walking away. As he
passes the freight entrance, Bud abruptly notices a van
marked MARSALA MAINTENENCE COMPANY. He looks back, thinks
for a moment: a look in his eyes.

EXT. LONG ISLAND CITY - LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PARK - DAY

Bud walks past a row of small warehouses and enters one.

INT. MARSALA MAINTENANCE OFFICE AND GARAGE SERVICE - DAY

He steps into a shabby reception area. A chain-smoking OLD
LADY looks up from the switch-board.

			BUD
	I need to speak to the owner about
	some business.

INT. BACK OFFICE - DAY

The owner, a GREEK with bushy mustache and hardened face,
sits at his desk eating lunch, eyeing Bud suspiciously.

			BUD
		(handing him a card)
	Mr. Panos, I've charted the growth
	of new office space in the city,
	and I think you're in the right
	business at the right time.

			PANOS
	Thank you for telling me what I
	already know.

			BUD
	I'm impressed with your work and I
	could use a tax break. This is a
	growing business. Are you interested
	in some working capital and a partner?

Panos puts down his sandwich, measuring Bud.

			PANOS
	What makes you think I need a
	partner?!

Bud smiles, ready with his spiel.

An elevator opens. A body steps out. A set of keys. Boom up
past a clipboard and pen to a shirt pocket with MARSALA
MAINTENANCE written on it, up to Bud dressed in janitorial
clothing.

We move with him to the CREW SUPERVISOR who introduces THREE
CLEANING WOMEN who nervously absorb Bud, worried for their
jobs.

Bud strolls from office to office, looking official,
overseeing his crew, making notations on a checklist.

Bud slips into the Senior Partners' office, thumbs through a
calendar on the desk. Sees the list of people, moves to the
computer, punches the client's name in. The code number
comes up.

Bud nods to a SECURITY GUARD down the hall and enters the
file room where he looks at the Cleaning Lady and points to
his watch. As she exits, he scrambles nervously through the
files -- finds the code number -- then anxiously flips the
pages to the critical tender offer document -- with the
target name -- INVESTMENT IN RORKER ELECTRONICS CORP. It's
stamped "DRAFT" across the page. His face lights up. The
secret to the kingdom. He puts it back, exits.

					WIPE TO:

INT. GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

Gekko on the phone, smiling.

INT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY

Bud, obviously exhausted from his day and night roles, is
telling him something on the phone.

INT. SECOND LAW FIRM - NIGHT

Bud furtively xeroxes a document on a small hand-carried
copy machine in his pocket or photographs it if it is too
large.

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

Bud and Alex, Gekko's assistant, having lunch. Alex gives
him the briefcase he's carrying. Pan from Alex to Bud back
to discover Darien in the next scene.

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

Bud dines with Darien, small talk, intimate looks.

INT. THIRD LAW FIRM - NIGHT

Bud is in an office, eyes panning the shelves.

			VOICE (O.S.)
	Can I help you?

Bud's head jerks around. A young female PARALEGAL is burning
the midnight oil. She looks at him from behind a stack of
briefs.

			BUD
		(backing off)
	Uh. Wrong office. Sorry...

EXT. BRIDGEHAMPTON BEACH - DAY

Gekko, Kate, Bud, Darien and A FIFTH PERSON roar over the
dunes, each in their own dune buggy, laughing and hollering
at one another...

Buddy driving right up precariously close on Darien, who
screams... Buddy flips over his vehicle... comes up
laughing... we sense he is getting wilder now...

EXT. HORSE FARM - BRIDGEHAMPTON - DAY

Darien rides expertly. A beautiful, immaculately-groomed
stallion is being shown to Gekko by the trainer.

Bud is sipping wine as he looks on with Kate.

			GEKKO
		(proudly)
	Got him at an auction in Kentucky.

			BUD
	How much?

			GEKKO
		(fondling the head)
	Close to two million.
		(Bud whistles)
	But this sucker can go all the way
	to Devon and the nationals.

Darien rides in, smiling to Bud.

			BUD
	Devon? He looks like Seattle Slew.
	What about the Triple Crown?

			DARIEN
	He's not a racehorse, Bud, he's a
	jumper.

			BUD
	How would I know? I once bet a
	horse. He went out at ten to one
	and came in at quarter to five.

He laughs, a little sloppy.

EXT. OCEAN - DAY

Darien swims in the ocean, long looping athletic strokes.

EXT. POOL AND PATIO - GEKKO'S BRIDGEHAMPTON HOUSE - DAY

They're finishing lunch by the pool framed by a lush flower
garden where Kate and son Rudy play. HAROLD SALT, Gekko's
chief lawyer, thick glasses, smart eyes and bags of worry
that could only come from watching other people's money,
looks very city-like in his clothing, examining his
paperwork before passing it to Bud, who is the picture of
relaxation.

			HAROLD
	...You understand Mr. Gekko is
	constantly barraged with nuisance
	litigation and IRS audits.

			BUD
		(nods)
	Of course.

			HAROLD
	...So it's in both our interests to
	put a safe distance between you and
	us...
		(passing a document
		with a 2nd pen)
	...this gives you limited power of
	attorney for Mr. Gekko's account.
	Every trade you make is at your
	discretion. Every ticket you buy
	must be marked "power of attorney."
	That means you call the shots and
	Mr. Gekko has no official knowledge
	of what stocks you're buying. Sign
	here and here...

Buddy looks, then up to Gekko, who smiles, casual.

			GEKKO
	...just the beginning, sport, just
	the begining...

Bud smiles, signs.

			HAROLD
		(a worrier)
	...you understand if any problems
	arise, you're out there on your own.
	The trail stops with you...

			BUD
	All's fair in love and war.

			GEKKO
	The art of which is deception.
	Spread the buy orders through
	different accounts and you won't
	get burned...

			BUD
	I think I got some friends that
	won't mind making some easy money...

As Kate drifts over with Rudy and the French au pair GIRL,
NICOLE.

			GEKKO
	Rudy, viens ici, dit bonjour a
	Monsieur Bud.

Rudy either says "No!" or "Bonjour Monsieur Bud!' depending
on the mood of the kid. Gordon sweeping him up and playing
with him. The kid squeals with glee.

			GEKKO
		(proudly)
	Already speaks a little French, kid
	got the highest score on his IQ test.

			KATE
		(to Darien)
	...it's so tough to get into a good
	nursery school now. They even visit
	your home to make sure your
	paintings and furnishings are
	acceptable.

			BUD
	What's it cost these days?

			KATE
	$5,000 just for the tuition... plus
	the books and supplies...
		(with a look to Gordon)
	...some parents even have bodyguards.
	It's not a bad idea...
		(picking up Rudy)
	...now that's it for you with the
	grown-ups young man.

As Rudy smashes the strawberries around his face and resists
going. "No! No!" Kate exasperated gives the child to Nicole.

			KATE
	Nicole, take him for a nap, please.

			NICOLE
	He doesn't nap anymore, Madame.
	It's been...

			KATE
		(stung)
	Then play with him till he gets
	tired. We're going out tonight but
	we like to see him at, let's see,
	six; give him a bath and put that
	cute little black suit on him...
		(to Bud and Gordon)
	Black clothes are the newest
	things, so chic and milk stains,
	carrot juice stains just don't show
	up. Kids -- boy, can they take it
	out of you!

Nicole's "Oui, Madame" is lost in the wrestling match she
goes through to drag him out screaming. Kate walking off.
Harold gives Buddy another piece of paper...

			HAROLD
	This is a contact at one of our
	banks. On settlement day you'll
	open an account there for Mr. Gekko
	under the name of Geneva, Roth
	Holding Corp. Then you'll wire
	transfer the money to this account
	in the Cayman Islands...

			GEKKO
		(rising, finished
		with lunch)
	Think about incorporating yourself
	there, Bud, Harold will take care
	of it for you.
		(with a look to Harold)
	... at a reasonable fee. You're
	gonna make a lot of money now Bud...
	stakes are gonna go up, no mistakes...

			BUD
	...piece of cake, Gordon...

EXT. BEACHFRONT - DAY

The camera glides off some FISHERMEN hauling their catch off
their beached boat to Darien who comes tromping out of the
surf, water glistening off her lean athletic body. Bud
stands before her, cool seductive eyes, holding out a towel.
She steps up to him and smiles inscrutably. Takes the towel
from him, drying herself, instead.

			DARIEN
		(gazing at the beach)
	If I could have anything... this
	would almost do.

			BUD
	Yeah, almost...

Looks at her, stifles his thought.

			DARIEN
		(teasing)
	So, how did your conference go with
	Gordon?

			BUD
	The conference, oh yeah. Fine. We
	reached an agreement and decided to
	divide up the world between us.

			DARIEN
		(laughs)
	You have modest wants. I like that
	in a man.

			BUD
	And what do you want?

			DARIEN
	...a Turner, a perfect canary
	diaiaond... a Lear jet... world
	peace... the best of everything...

			BUD
	Well, why stop at that?

			DARIEN
	I don't.

			BUD
		(has to smile)
	You're not trouble by any chance.
	Are you?

She looks at him, tosses the towel over her shoulder and
starts back toward the house. Buddy watches her go.

INT. HOTEL BALLROOM - DAY

The annual Teldar Paper stockholders' meeting is in session:
400 stockholders are there -- many middle aged and older,
one bag lady. Cromwell sits on an elevated platform at the
front of the room surrounded by an army of bulky EXECUTIVES,
none of them weighing less than 200 pounds, ACCOUNTANTS and
LAWYERS. Gekko in contrast seems like Robin Hood seated with
Alex, Harold, Bud and the other stockholders. Cromwell is
delivering his prepared attack on Gekko in a highly
sarcastic, gruff manner.

			CROMWELL
	...Your company, ladies and
	gentlemen, is under siege from
	Gordon Gekko.
	Teldar Paper is now leveraged to
	the hilt, like some piss poor South
	American country...instead of using
	our cash to build plants, build our
	business, all this man really wants
	is to get paid to withdraw his
	tender offer and that will cost us
	approximately another $200 million
	in greenmail which will be passed
	on to the consumer...

Gekko seething, jumps up.

			GEKKO
	Where do you get off speaking about
	me like that, making remarks to the
	press, I resent these remarks, I
	demand the right to speak.

			CROMWELL
	Sit down, sir, you're out of order,
	haven't you done enough damage to
	Teldar as it is?...have you no
	sense of decency?
		(to shareholders)
	How can your management...

Gekko is urged to sit down by his people but we hear various
catcalls, "Let the man speak!" "Sit down, Gekko!"

			CROMWELL (CONT'D)
	...concentrate on long term growth
	when we're busy fighting the get-
	rich-quick, short term profit, slot
	machine mentality of Wall Street
	when we should be fighting Japan!
	The original fundamental reason for
	Wall Street was to capitalize
	American business, underwrite new
	business, build companies, build
	America. The "deal" has now
	succeeded goods and services as
	America's gross national product
	and in the process, we are
	undermining our foundation. This
	cancer is called "greed". Greed and
	speculation have replaced long-term
	investment. Corporations are being
	taken apart like erector sets,
	without any consideration of the
	public good. I strongly recommend
	you to see through Mr. Gekko's
	shameless intention here to
	strip this company and severely
	penalize the stockholders. I
	strongly recommend you to reject
	his tender by voting for
	management's restructuring of the
	stock.

					CUT TO:

Gekko is now at floor level with a microphone. He's calmer,
makes his pitch to the stockholders, looking up at the
management.

			GEKKO
	...I appreciate the chance you're
	giving me, Mr. Cromwell, as the
	single largest stockholder in
	Teldar, to speak.
		(gets some laughter
		and applause, loosens)
	On the way here today I saw a
	bumper sticker. It said, "Life is a
	bitch... then you die".
		(gets another laugh)
	...well ladies and gentlemen, we're
	not here to indulge in fantasies,
	but in political and economic
	reality. America has become a
	second rate power. Our trade
	deficit and fiscal deficit are at
	nightmare proportions. In the days
	of the 'free market' when our
	country was a top industrial power,
	there was accountability to the
	shareholders. The Carnegies, the
	Mellons, the man who built this
	industrial empire, made sure of it
	because it was their money at stake.
	Today management has no stake in
	the company. Altogether these guys
	sitting up there own a total of
	less than 3% and where does Mr.
	Cromwell put his million dollar
	salary? Certainly not in Teldar
	stock, he owns less than 1%.
	You own Teldar Paper, the
	stockholders, and you are being
	royally screwed over by these
	bureaucrats with their steak
	lunches, golf and hunting trips,
	corporate jets, and golden
	parachutes! Teldar Paper has 33
	different vice presidents each
	earning over $200,000 a year. I
	spent two months analyzing what
	these guys did and I still can't
	figure it out.
		(a big laugh)


Cromwell is pissed.

			CROMWELL
	This is an outrage Gekko! You're
	full of shit!

			GEKKO
	One thing I do know is this paper
	company lost $110 million last
	year, and I'd bet half of that is
	in the paperwork going back and
	forth between all the vice
	presidents...
		(increased laughter,
		he's getting them)
	The new law of evolution in
	corporate America seems to be
	'survival of the unfittest'. Well
	in my book, you either do it right
	or you get eliminated. Teldar Paper
	is doomed to fail. Its
	diversification into casualty
	insurance has not worked. Its crown
	jewels are its trees, the rest is
	dross. Through wars, depressions,
	inflations and deterioration of
	paper money, trees have always kept
	their value, but Teldar is chopping
	them all down. Forests are
	perishable, forest rights are as
	important as human rights to this
	planet, and all the illusory
	Maginot lines, scorched earth
	tactics, proxy fights, poison
	pills, etc. that Mr.
	Cromwell is going to come up with
	to prevent people like me from
	buying Teldar Paper are doomed to
	fail because the bottom line,
	ladies and gentlemen, as you very
	well know, is the only way to stay
	strong is to create value, that's
	why you buy stock, to have it go up.
	If there's any other reason, I've
	never hear it.
		(laughter)
	That's all I'm saying...it's you
	people who own this company, not
	them, they work for you and they've
	done a lousy job of it. Get rid of
	them fast, before you all get sick
	and die. I may be an opportunist,
	but if these clowns did a better
	job, I'd be out of work. In the
	last seven deals I've been in,
	there were 2.3 million stockholders
	that actually made a pretax profit
	of $12 billion. When I bought the
	Ixtlan Corporation it was in the
	exact same position Teldar is
	today -- I turned three of its
	companies private and I sold four
	others -- and each of these
	companies, liberated from the
	suffering conglomerate has
	prospered. I am not a destroyer of
	companies, I am a liberator of them.
	The point is, ladies and gentlemen,
	greed is good. Greed works, greed
	is right. Greed clarifies, cuts
	through, and captures the essence
	of the evolutionary spirit. Greed
	in all its forms, greed for life,
	money, love, knowledge, has marked
	the upward surge of mankind -- and
	greed, mark my words -- will save
	not only Teldar Paper but that
	other malfunctioning corporation
	called the USA...Thank you.

Much applause as he sits. Now a standing ovation; shouts of
approval. Cromwell knows he has lost the day, tries to
continue the meeting by calling for "order".

Bud watches, impressed.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

BROKERS mill at their desks quietly. Bud enters, notices
immediately the uneasy silence. His eyes go to Lynch's
office... across the windows, he's talking to a very somber
Dan Steeples.

			BUD
	What's going on?

			MARV
		(looking in the same direction)
	Lynch is giving him the boot...
	He's not pulling his quota.

Bud's soft "no" matched by that second, tighter look. His
POV -- closer on the glass... Dan Steeples pleading for his
job... we know the things he's saying, we've heard them
before... just one more chance, Mr. Lynch... Lynch shaking
his head...

			MARV
		(reminding him)
	...we're all just one trade away
	from humility, Buddy...

Dan Steeples steps out of the office, obviously close to
tears but trying to maintain face... Buddy's eyes dart away,
not wanting to deal with it. Dan Steeples walks by his as
Lynch, on the loudspeaker, starts his morning announcements.

			LYNCH
	New research report on GM and a
	conference call on defense stocks
	at my office at 11. No RSVP
	required, just be there. And on an
	inspiring note I'm pleased to
	announce the new office record for
	a single month's gross commission
	goes to Bud Fox. Who more than
	doubled the old mark. Way to go Bud.
	Super job! Come on up here.

As Dan Rickey passes him during this, Bud catches a glimpse
of the older man's eyes. Dan tries to look brave. Heads
turning to Bud with awe and envy...

			MARV
	Congrats buddy buddy, you just made
	my life twice as hard around here...

Bud moving toward Lynch, past Lou Mannheim.

			MANNHEIM
	You're on a roll kiddo. Enjoy it
	while it lasts -- 'cause it never
	does.

			BUD
		(cocky)
	...just kickin' ass and taking
	names, Mr. Mannheim.

Bud passes Charlie Cushing, yawning on the phone as usual.

			CHARLIE
	So whaddaya say pal, wanna play
	some doubles at Piping? Meet the
	membership? I got a little blonde
	named Mandy, about nineteen, avec
	cafe au lait boobs... she's mine
	but she's got a cousin who has
	great muffins.

			BUD
	...sounds dubious Chuck, but Piping
	Rock any day.

Chuck laughs, Bud's "in" now. Lynch indicates for Bud to
follow him into an outer glass-enclosed office.

			LYNCH
	Come in, Bud...

INT. BUD'S NEW OFFICE - DAY

Neatly furnished, with a window overlooking Wall Street, and
attractive CHINESE SECRETARY filing papers into a cabinet.

			LYNCH
		(points)
	Congratulations. This is yours
	now... your own file cabinets... a
	window ... your private secretary,
	Janet,
		(under his breath)
	significantly more attractive.

			JANET
	Nice to meet you, Mr. Fox.

She smiles at Bud, who heaves a sigh of relief, noticing his
name plate on the desk.

			BUD
		(thrilled)
	Thank you, Janet...thank you, Mr.
	Lynch.

			LYNCH
	No, thank you. I knew the minute I
	laid eyes on you, you had what it
	takes Bud. Just keep it going.

He winks and leaves. Charlie Cushing comes in, Marv sticks
his head in the doorway, a grudging smile.

			MARV
	So, its Mister Fox now.

INT. CONDOMINIUM APARTMENT - UPPER EAST SIDE - DAY

A splendid four-room thirtieth floor aerie overlooking
Central Park. SYLVIE DRIMMER, anchored down with jewelry and
a large fur purse, shows Bud around.

			SYLVIE
	...everybody tells ya they hate the
	Upper East Side and they wanna live
	on the West Side but honey when it
	comes to resale time, believe me
	the East Side's the one that always
	moves. What do you get on the West
	Side?
		(contemptuously)
	Madonna and Sean?... between Sly
	and Billy and Christie, I've shown
	every apartment on the Upper East
	Side. Everybody lives here... Mick,
	Gloria and Barbara Wa-Wa. Even
	Klaus von Bulow buys his fresh
	fruit from the Korean on Madison.
	It's so expensive and it's just
	like the ones on Eighth Avenue but
	it's an attitude is all, you pay
	for attitude
		(pointing to a walk-
		in closet)
	...two walk-in closets...upstairs
	on the roof you lot a health
	club...massage, sauna, jacuzzi,
	sunlights, best schools in the
	city, cute boy like you gotta think
	of a ladyfriend when you're
	finished wolfing around --
		('course I'm taken)
	...oak strip floor...my husband can
	get you a 10% mortgage...I'd do it
	myself if we weren't into four
	other deals already...so?...
		(beat)
	I got a four o'clock and a
	five...one of them's an all-cash
	type, Monique something or
	other...I guarantee you this place
	is history tomorrow...

Bud looks around. The city at his feet. Lost in thought.
Sylvie has to call him out of it: "honey? -- The meter's
running. Anybody home?"

			BUD
	All right. Offer 950...

Sylvie tries to play it cool, her expression conveying a
somewhat stunned look at the speed and certainty of the
response.

			SYLVIE
	...I think you gotta deal, honey...
	you sure you don't wanna see
	somethin' I got on Sutton Place.
	It's a million and a half but...

			BUD
	Nah...this is it..home...

Looking it over, proud.

INTERIOR DECORATING MONTAGE

The music is geared to speed, money, triumph and just plain
material fun.

INT. BUD'S CONDO - DAY/NIGHT

In its first stage, Darien supervising. It's expanse of
white walls devoid of mouldings, a blank plaster canvas. The
city views are great, the apartment identical to hundreds of
other cookie cutter condos. Several young artists are
working on a neo-classical mural on the long side of the
living room. They are colorfully dressed, listening to a
TALKING HEADS tape while they work. A carpenter who looks
like a member of Duran Duran is installing a pair of old
columns from Urban Archaeology on either side of the
entrance to the living room while another fits a brass sink
into an antique sideboard which has been turned into a bar.

INT. BUD'S CONDO - DAY/NIGHT

INTERIOR DECORATING MONTAGE - SECOND STAGE

Living room furniture arrives. A fantail shrimp chaise from
Art Furniture's "Sushi Collection" arrives, along with an
enormous sofa encased in an ecru linen slipcover made
deliberately baggy and tied on with rows of self bows on
each end, several faux Etruscan pots wired up as lamps, a
poured concrete coffee table that looks like it came from
Pompeii, and a hand-painted floor cloth instead of a rug for
the bleached floor with the stencilled border... Darien
sitting in a fantastical adirondack chair made from gnarled
branches, amused by Bud's reactions to the furniture.

THIRD STAGE. The kitchen has the latest compact computer
dishwasher and compact microwave, garbage compactor, and
sinks with infrared controls... A brief food montage gives
us a sense of the modernist approach to food and its
preparation:

1) Darien hones the knives on the electric knife sharpener as

2) Bud uses a stainless steel Cape Cod oyster opener to work
on two dozen oysters...

3) at the same time working on the automatic vinaigrette
mixer, the phone ringing to the tune of Mozart's "Jupiter"...

			BUD
		(picking it up)
	Yes...no...at 37 1/2. Convert the
	bonds right...and check the price
	in Tokyo at 8:00 LA time. Thanks...

4) As he starts his pasta sauce flame an his O'Reilly fat-
free grill with a flexible neck fire starter...

5) A freshly heated roll pops out of a hanging space-saving
toaster, as Darien works the electric pasta maker while
melting the frozen ice cream cartons in the microwave.

6) Bud manages to sneak a kiss an her lips humming the bars
from Verdi's "Rigoletto" as he works the piece de la
resistance--the automatic sushi maker...

7) Dinner is finally served on a demolished dinner table.
Red wine, pasta, sushi...it looks perfect, lit by
candlelight, the view of the city below.

			DARIEN
	...isn't it perfect!

			BUD
	...too perfect...let's not even eat.
	Let's just watch it and think about
	it.
		(pause)

FOURTH STAGE - INT. BUD'S CONDO - DAY

Bud goes over a stack of bills with something approaching
concern as the gothic oak refectory table which seats 20 is
carried in, followed by a Jean Michel Basquiat featuring a
skull on a rough board. Darien instructs the movers to place
an important pair of satinwood Art Deco armchairs upholstered
in buttery suede (last Saturday's auction purchase for
$20,000) at either end of the titanic sofa. No vestige is
left of the cookie cutter space we first saw. Walls have
been removed, mouldings and architectural found objects
added, imitation rare woods, marbles and frescos have been
created from nothing by the magic hands of the tromp l'oeil
crew. The point is, decorating can transform.

INT. CONDO - NIGHT

The look of the place is evocative of ancient times, yet
sumptuous. Darien and Bud sink into the bales of down in the
sofa and are dwarfed. She rests her head on a hand stencilled
velvet Venetian throw pillow, looking like a Pre-Raphaelite
madonna. A terracotta pot with a spray of white phaleonopsis
graces the coffee table. As the sun sets over the canyons of
highrises, Bud walks around his new home totally in awe.
This apartment, perfect in its restrained taste with all the
"correct" flowers and objects, has nothing to do with him.
Perhaps he can understand the state-of-the-art kitchen, the
computerized telephone, stereo and light system, but he
needs a set of instructions just to be able to switch on
David Letterman.

This apartment is Darien's fantasy, and Bud is merely the
incidental client who paid for it. Most importantly to her,
it is ready to be photographed by House and Garden.

			BUD
		(dubiously looking at
		a rough plaster wall
		of fading fresco)
	You know, the elevator man couldn't
	believe I paid $300,000 to have my
	walls looking like this, he's got
	them for free in Brooklyn.

			DARIEN
	I'll bet he's got an opinion on the
	stock market too. This apartment is
	already ahead of its time. I call
	it the "demolished" look. They've
	already heard about it at House and
	Garden and they're coming next week
	to photograph it before it gets...
	lived in. Is that alright? I'd love
	to have it in my portfolio.

			BUD
	Sure... But your fee... considering
	you're way over budget, should be
	negotiable.

As he nuzzles her neck, she feels threatened, stops.

			DARIEN
	Let's get things straight, Bud. I'm
	not going to take a cut. I worked
	hard and you can't decorate a room
	in New York for less than $100,000.
	Curtains alone...

			BUD
	I'm kidding, I'm kidding, we're
	still young, Darien. So what's
	money anyway when everybody's
	making it, it's all relative. After
	all, this is not the house in
	Connecticut, this is just a crash
	pad good for a couple of
	years...before we slip our two
	lovely kids, Yuppie and Fruppie
	into the Lycee Francaise.

			DARIEN
	You got it all charted out don't
	you, like a stock projection.
 
		BUD
	That's right -- one with high
	yield, rich assets and no downside...

As the kiss grows, his hands move into her nether regions.
She looks at him, sober.

			DARIEN
	Do you think you're ready?

			BUD
	It's not me I'm worried about...You
	know Darien, the only reason we
	haven't slept together is because
	we both know we will -- and not
	knowing when was the only surprise
	left. You owe me, I want you, what
	else is there...but you, me, the
	world.
		(he folds back her
		palms in his)
	...right here...make love to
	me...now...
		(more kissing)
	Stop me if I'm going too far.

			DARIEN
	I'll let you know.

INT. BUD'S CONDO - BEDROOM - NIGHT

Bud making love to Darien. Camara closing on them.

Her face -- from his point of view. Her smile.

His face -- looking down. Covered with sweat and passion.

			BUD
	Is this real? Is this really real?

EXT. BUD'S CONDO - TERRACE - NIGHT

Bud walks out alone in his blue bathrobe on his parapet
overlooking Central Park. The wind stirs his hair. The East
and West sides of the park wrap the city in a diamond
necklace of brilliant light.

Bud stares down at the world. He has it all now. The money.
The girl. The magic palace apartment. What more is there?
Something...because Bud suddenly throws a wrenching
dislocated look into himself that makes us wonder as he
brushes his hand across his face and mutters to himself.

			BUD
	Who am I?

There is no ready answer. As he finally turns and goes back
inside and closes the door.

INT. BUD'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Darien lies curled in the bed, eyes open, looking at him.

			DARIEN
	Come to bed, Bud...

EXT. PHONE BOOTH - SOUTH STREET SEAPORT - TWILIGHT

Cocktail hour in the background, yuppies trying to score for
the weekend. Bud on the phone, strained look transforming to
a bright, upbeat personality as the phone is answered.

			BUD
	Dixon! It's your lucky day! That's
	right. I want to give you some
	stock and you don't have to put up
	a penny...

					INTERCUT:

EXT. CABIN - ASPEN COLORADO - DAY

A small cabin in the mountains.

INT. CABIN - ASPEN COLORADO - DAY

Whole earth furnishings. DIXON, a long-haired ski bum
dropout listens skeptically.

			DIXON
	Sure, and I'm never gonna die
	either, is this one of your chain
	letter schemes or do I gotta buy a
	door to door cosmetic franchise in
	Northern Arkansas?

EXT. PHONE BOOTH - SOUTH STREET SEAPORT - TWILIGHT

			BUD
	No, no Dixon, my client wants to
	buy a large, large block of stock
	and needs to spread it around. I'll
	park some money in your account and
	if it hits, you get a big cut. I'm
	telling you, this is the easiest
	money you ever made...

INT. ROGER BARNES' OFFICE - DAY

Roger listens on the phone.

			BUD
		(off)
	...and you don't have to put up a
	dime, Roger.

			ROGER
		(tentatively)
	All right, Bud... let's do it.

A look on his face. As if he knows he's making a fatal mistake.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

			BUD
		(on the phone)
	...it's easy Jack! On settlement
	day, you endorse a check to Blue
	Horseshoe Trading Company. Then I
	send you your cut.

Marv waves across the glass partition and knocks. But Bud
waves him off, closing the blinds.

			BUD (CONT'D)
	...that's the bottom line. And
	nobody gets hurt.

Marv now walks it, exasperated.

			MARV
	...things are so bad, even the
	liars are complaining. And you're
	making money. So what gives? What's
	the bottom line?

As he tries to peak at Bud's quotron screen, but Bud flicks
it off, pissed.

			BUD
	Hey, I'm tired of playing nurse to
	you all the time, alright. Do your
	own home work!

Marvin abruptly walks out, "asshole!". Bud books the order
for Morning Star Corp -- MSC -- 50,000 June options.

INT. AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE - LATER THAT DAY

The COMPANY FLOOR MANAGER gets Bud's order, hands a ticket
to a RUNNER who dashes off across the exchange floor, and
over to a TRADER who starts to execute the order.

CLOSE on the broad tape. As Bud's large buy order flickers
across it -- MSC -- 50,000 June options.

INT. AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE - S.E.C. OPTIONS WATCH OFFICE -
DAY

A CLERK sits before a computer routinely tracking all of the
exchange floor trading. He runs a check on a transaction.

Computer Screen -- The same numbers and letters are seen
that just flickered across the broad tape... Bud's buy.

The clerk swivels his chair to a second computer and punches
up data. A MAN appears behind him, leaning over his
shoulder, and wears an ID BADGE. The clerk vacates his seat
to the man with the badge, who now takes over.

INT. BUD'S CONDO - NIGHT

Bud is in silk boxers on the phone, number crunching on the
computer, foot pounding to a music beat on the stereo, while
his telex spews out overnight currency data.

Darien in the background lies in bed in panties reading Vogue.

			BUD
		(into the phone)
	Buy me 20 June Euro Dollar CDs.
	Twenty March gold and sell 10
	September Deutsch marks. That's
	right...

He hangs up, back to the computer a growing look of
excitement and revelation in his eyes.

On the computer screen we see a break up Of Bluestar
Airlines -- its assets and liabilities.

Bud hits the command key, printing it out. He's exuberant.

			BUD
	Bud, I hate to tell you this but
	you're a genius!
		(to Darien)
	Darien...lightning has struck! The
	lightbulb has been invented.
	Edison, Da Vinci, Einstein are
	watching...

			DARIEN
		(grumpy)
	...are you going to trade all night
	again? You got to go to work in a
	couple of hours.

			BUD
	You think I'm gonna broker the rest
	of my life... I'm going to be a
	giant, Darien, an entrepreneur in
	the Italian 15th century sense of
	the word -- a mover, shaker.

Bud dances over to the bed turning the stereo down on his way.

			BUD
	I love you, baby. Did I tell you
	that sometime in the last 24 hours?

			DARIEN
	Get in bed. Y'ever hear of the
	sixty hour work week? You're
	turning into a yuppie Frankenstein,
	you love money so much.

Bud grabs a bottle of Ferrier off the night table and drinks.

			BUD
	Sure, why not, money's the sex of
	the 80's. I never had it like you
	when I was growing up, baby, it
	wasn't the upper east side.

			DARIEN
	You're so naive Bud, you don't even
	know. Your dad took care of you. I
	might've been rich when I was a
	kid...but my father lost all his
	money...in the seventies, in the
	stock market, at the track. He was
	a lousy gambler...

			BUD
		(teasing)
	...that changes all my plans, I
	thought you were loaded...

			DARIEN
		(laughs woefully)
	So did I, till I hit 19 and found I
	had all the royal habits and no
	throne. Mom got by but I had to go
	to work just like you.
	Only the skills I had were shopping
	and making friends. So...that's why
	I do what I do, what makes you
	tick, Buddy?

			BUD
	Fear. The fear of being poor I
	guess, just like you, Darien... But
	that's all gonna change sweetheart.
	I'm catching the express...
		(making love to her)
	... and you're going along for the
	ride.

INT. GEKKO'S PRIVATE PLANE (GULFSTREAM - 4) - DAY

A salon interior. Gekko on a couch reading, with eyeglasses,
a stack of financial reports. Alex is on the phone, Susan,
and others accompanying the caravan on a business trip. Bud
is excited.

			BUD
	...Bluestar's an unpolished gem,
	Gordon, right out of the garbage. A
	half assed management being
	decimated by a price war they can't
	win. But the gates at LaGuardia
	alone can bail us out, it's worth
	25 bucks a share if it's worth a
	dime! They're ripe to fall.

Gekko, the poker player, hasn't seen enough cards.

			GEKKO
	Mixed emotions, Buddy: like Larry
	Wildman going off a cliff in my new
	Maserati. Men as smart as myself
	have got their asses handed to them
	on a sling with the airlines, fuel
	could go up, unions are killers...

			BUD
	Yeah aren't you forgetting
	something Gordon: rule one, capital
	reserves. This company has $75
	million cash in an overfunded
	pension. That buys us a lot of
	credibility...
		(Gordon looks up, interested)
	...and the beauty is you already
	own close to two percent of this
	sucker...

			ALEX
		(interrupting, on the phone)
	Gordon, the insurance people are
	balking on the logging trucks...

			GEKKO
	Tell those spineless toads we'll
	self-insure if they don't write
	it... You fire 33 vice presidents
	and nothing changes...
		(back to Bud)
	You eating twinkies today, Bud, or
	are you schtupping some stewardess...

			BUD
		(deadly serious)
	Gordon what I want--and I never
	asked you for anything--is to be
	your co-pilot on this. I want to
	take this airline, turn it around,
	and make it work. It's gonna make
	us a fortune!

			GEKKO
		(to Susan)
	I'm talking to a stockbroker who
	wants to run an airline. It's gonna
	take me two years and 2000
	headaches to turn Teldar Paper
	around, what do I need this dink
	airline for? I'm up to my ass in
	more nuts than a fruitcake.

			BUD
	Gordon, I worked at Bluestar, I
	know my way around, I have friends
	there...inside.

			GEKKO
		(getting the drift)
	What does that mean?

			BUD
		(playing out his ace)
	The three unions. It's 43% of
	Bluestar's operating budget, the
	hourly cost of a flight crew is
	$850 an hour, that's the real
	hidden value G.G., if you can
	negotiate that out, get a crew down
	to $350-400 an hour a run, this
	airline is gonna be the hottest
	thing since Texas Air...

			GEKKO
	What makes you think you can?

			BUD
	I can talk to these people Gordon,
	they trust me...and my father can
	be a big help in getting cuts.

			GEKKO
		(pause)
	Alright... Susan, get Buckingham on
	the box. I want him to look at it.
	And tell Jock Taylor at Thwick,
	Jensen...
		(smiles wickedly,
		back to Bud)
	So sport, the falcon has heard the
	falconer...tell me more...

INT. BUD'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Bud, in high gear, all smiles, expensive Armani suit, opens
the door. His father stands before him, looking like a man
on his way to the dentist.

			BUD
	Dad, well come on in. Everybody's
	here. We couldn't start the show
	without you.

Wide-eyed, Carl follows Bud through the foyer, taking in the
furnishings, paintings, antiques.

			CARL
		(under his breath)
	Well I'll be a lousy Republican.

			DARIEN
		(overhears him)
	I decorate for Democrats too, lots
	of them.
		(she extends her hand
		and gives him a warm smile)
	I'm Darien Taylor.

			CARL
		(sardonically)
	I know. You're one of the art works
	that go with the apartment.
		(softens a little)
	Pretty creative. Doesn't look
	anything like the place my son
	bought a few months age.

			DARIEN
	Listen, I hope you'll come here
	often, and under less formal
	circumstances.

Halfway won over Carl enters the living room where Darien
has set up a table with miniature gourmet pizza, etc. The
atmosphere is strained, the camps separated. Gekko stands by
the bar, conferring with his lawyer, Harold Salt. Darien
walks over to the couch with drinks for the Ixtax Union
Reps: DUNCAN WILMORE, ALPA Leader, a rugged silver-haired
uniformed pilot; TONI CARPENTER, AFA Rep, hard looking,
40ish flight attendant.

			BUD
	Dad, you know Duncan Wilmore,
	pilot's union, and Toni Carpenter,
	flight attendants...

			CARL
	I met them before you were born.

They exchange nods.

			BUD
	And I'd like to introduce you to Mr.
	Gekko, and his lawyer, Mr. Salt.

			GEKKO
	A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Fox.

Carl stares at Gekko, sizing him up.

			GEKKO
	I'd be proud to have a son like Bud.
	He's got a great future ahead of him.

Carl looks to his fellow union representatives, then to Gekko.

			CARL
		(gesturing at Salt)
	I thought this was an informal
	meeting. What's he doing here?

			GEKKO
		(dismissing him)
	Harold, you don't mind strolling
	around the block a couple hundred
	times, do you?

			HAROLD
		(looks at his watch)
	Of course...

Salt gathers his jacket to leave, as Gekko and Carl eye one
another, tentatively.

			DARIEN
	...please help yourselves to some
	food...

					CUT TO:

The food is half consumed. Gekko addresses the union leaders.

			GEKKO
	Look, I have no illusions about
	winning a popularity contest with
	any of you. I was roasted the other
	night, and a friend of mine asked--
	why are we honoring this man--have
	we run out of human beings?

His joke breaks the ice; they laugh, except for Carl.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
	It's not always the most popular
	guy who gets the job done. You got
	losses of 20 to 30 million dollars,
	dividends cut to zero, you're
	getting squeezed to death by the
	majors. Present management may not
	be the worst scum of the earth, but
	they're the ones who've put you on
	a kamikaze course, and pretty soon
	everybody's going to be scrambling
	for the parachutes. Only there
	aren't enough to go around.
	Management has them. You don't. If
	they throw Bluestar into Chapter
	11--which I think they will--then
	they can use bankruptcy laws to
	break your unions and your
	contracts and throw you guys off
	the property.

We hear a loud crunching sound as Bud's father bites into a
roll, glaring at Gekko.

			WILMORE
		(pilot)
	With all due respect, Mr. Gekko,
	what's to prevent you from doing
	the same thing?

			GEKKO
	Cause I have a way around all this,
	a way we can all make money and
	make this airline profitable again.
	What do you say we cut to the chase.
	I'm asking for a modest twenty
	percent across-the-board wage cut.

Carl drops his fork on the plate. Gekko goes on.

			GEKKO
	And seven more hours a month.

Toni Carpenter and Duncan Wilmore exchange questionable looks.

			CARPENTER
	What kind of time frame are we
	talking about here?

			GEKKO
	Give me a year. If we're still
	losing money, the reductions stand.
	If however, we move into the black,
	I return part of the givebacks,
	salaries go back to present levels,
	and...
		(a beat)
	we institute an employee profit
	sharing program with stock. You'll
	own part of the airline.

Carpenter and Wilmore react with surprise, it's obvious they
weren't expecting the profit sharing part. Bud smiles at
Darien and looks to his father, who examines a sushi roll
before putting it back.

			WILMORE
	Are you prepared to put that in
	writing?

			GEKKO
	I'll have a letter of agreement
	drawn up within two days.

			CARPENTER
	What's your marketing strategy? How
	do you plan to return us to
	profitability?

			GEKKO
	Why don't I give Bud an opportunity
	to answer that.

Darien and Carl turn to Bud, who puts down his wine glass.
 
		BUD
	Thank you Mr. Gekko. First of all I
	want you to know my door will
	always be open to you cause I know
	from my Dad it's you guys that keep
	Bluestar flying. One -- Modernize.
	Our computer software is weak, we
	update it, we squeeze every dollar
	out of each seat and mile flown.
	You don't sell a seat to a guy for
	$89 when he's willing to pay $389.
	Effective inventory management
	through computerization will
	increase our load factor by 5 to
	20%, that translates to
	approximately 50 to 200 million
	dollars in revenues; the point is,
	we can beat the majors at a price
	war. Two -- Advertising -- more,
	more, and aggressive, attack the
	majors. Three -- expand our hubs to
	Atlanta, North Carolina and Dallas,
	reorganize all our feeder schedules,
	think Big -- guys, we're going
	after the majors!

The men are visibly shaken by Bud's determination.

			GEKKO
		(looking for reactions)
	Cards are on the table. What do you
	think?

			WILMORE
		(restrained, hopeful)
	If you mean what you say, I think
	we're in the ball park. I'll take
	it to my people.

			CARPENTER
		(approvingly)
	You've sketched some broad strokes.
	I'd like to see the fine print. But
	so far so good.

Gekko looks to Carl Fox who, putting down knife and fork,
breaks his silence.

			CARL
	I guess if a man lives long enough,
	he gets to see everything. And I
	mean everything. What else do you
	have in your bag of tricks, Mr. Gekko?

Bud tenses, looking at his father. Gekko ignores the
innuendo and replies softly.

			GEKKO
	Frankly, Carl, I can't see giving
	much more. If you have any
	suggestions I'll be glad to listen.

			CARL
	There came into Egypt a Pharoah who
	did not know.

			GEKKO
		(smiling)
	I beg your pardon. Is that a proverb?

			CARL
		(smiling)
	No, it's a prophecy. The rich have
	been doing it to the poor since the
	beginning of time. The only
	difference between the Pyramids and
	the Empire State Building is that
	the Egyptians didn't have unions.
		(looking at Wilmore
		and Carpenter)
	I know what this guy is about--
	greed--he's in and out for the buck
	and he don't take prisoners. He
	don't give a damn about Northstar
	or us ...

			BUD
	Now, wait a minute, Dad...

			GEKKO
		(shrugs, keeping his composure)
	Sure. What's worth doing is worth
	doing for money. It's a bad bargain
	where nobody gains. And if this
	deal goes through, we all gain.

Carl throws down his napkin, rises from the chair, looks at
the others.

			CARL
		(looks at Bud)
	'Course my son did work three
	summers as a baggage handler and
	freight loader. With those
	qualifications, why should I doubt
	his ability to run an airline?

There is frozen silence at the table.

			GEKKO
	Fine, if you don't want us, stay
	with the scum in present
	management--dedicated to running
	you and Bluestar into the ground.

			CARL
	...that "scum" built this company
	up from one plane in thirty years,
	they made something out of nothing,
	and if that's a scum I'll take one
	over a rat any day...

Carl turns and leaves. Bud glances at Gekko, reading his
piercing look. He hurries after his father.

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Bud catches up to Carl, waiting for the elevator, hammering
him.

			BUD
		(seething)
	Congratulations. You did a great
	job of embarrassing me in there--
	not to mention yourself! Save the
	"workers of the world unite" speech
	for next time Dad, I heard it too
	much growing up. You're gonna get
	axed Dad, no two ways about it, you
	and the whole airline are going
	down the tubes, you hear me, just
	like Braniff, you don't have a
	chance in hell, and if it isn't
	Gekko it's gonna be some other killer.

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Carl steps into the elevator, Bud follows.

			CARL
	He's got your prick in his back
	pocket, son, and you're standing
	naked in the display window of
	Macy's. He's using you. Only you're
	too blind to see it.

			BUD
	No, what I see is a jealous old
	machinist who can't stand that his
	son's become more successful than
	himself.

			CARL
	What you see, son, is a man who
	never measured success by the size
	of a man's wallet.

			BUD
	That's because you never had the
	guts to go out into the world and
	stake your claim.

			CARL
		(lamentably)
	Boy, if that's what you think, I
	must've really screwed up my job as
	a father.

INT. BUILDING LOBBY - NIGHT

Bud and Carl exit the elevator and head across the luxury
lobby.

			CARL (CONT'D)
	...as far as being axed, I'm still
	here and as long as I am, I have a
	responsibility not just to me but
	to the union members I represent...

			BUD
		(pleading now)
	Your responsibility, Dad, is to
	present the facts, not your
	opinions, to the men... you're
	gonna destroy their lives, Dad!
	Don't do it to 'em. Give it a
	chance. Let the membership decide
	for themselves, Dad. Please.

			CARL
	I'll be damned that when my men
	come to me tomorrow morning,
	wanting to know what's going on,
	I'm going to lie to them!

			BUD
	Your men! All my life "your men"
	have been able to count on you? Why
	is it that you've never been there
	for me?

They head through the doors, out onto the street.

EXT. BUILDING - NIGHT

Bud following Carl.

			BUD
	And what if you're wrong? What if
	one day, the sun didn't rise in the
	East and birds didn't fly South in
	winter and for once in your life
	your compass was off? Huh?

He grabs Carl by the arm, stopping him.

			BUD (CONT'D)
	Would you be willing to wreck your
	men's future? My future? Please...
	Dad. Think. Be practical, for a
	change. I'm asking you, I'm fucking
	begging you...

Bud lets go of Carl's arm. Carl looks at his son, seeing the
desperation. Sadness and confusion take hold of him.

			CARL
	I don't sleep with no whore and I
	don't wake up with no whore. That's
	how I live with myself, Buddy. I
	don't know how you do.
		(a beat)
	I hope I'm wrong, I'll let them
	decide for themselves, that much I
	promise you.

He walks away. Bud watches him go, knows he has won.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud, increasingly frazzled and determined, dark circles
under his eyes paces with the phone...

			JANET
		(his secretary)
	Mr. Dixon Brandt on 3...

			BUD
		(wearily switching over)
	What's up Dixon?
		(stopping, focusing)
	Calm down! What are you talking about?

					INTERCUT TO:

INT. DIXON'S CABIN - ASPEN COLORADO - DAY

Dixon, the rich man's son and ski bum, is yelling on the
other end of the line.

			DIXON
	...this guy who said he was from
	the Security Exchange Commission,
	whatever the hell that is, calls
	and wants to ask me about that
	stock I bought...

			BUD
		(nervous)
	What'd you tell him?

			DIXON
	I told him I was in the bathroom
	and I'd call him right back. What
	the hell was I supposed to say
	Buddy, you got me into...

			BUD
	Look Dixon, calm down! It's not
	illegal to buy stock or to be right.
	And it's not all that unusual to be
	spot checked on a big buy. Tell him
	you did your homework and you
	thought the stock was a sound
	investment.

			DIXON
	What if he asks where I got the money?

			BUD
	Tell 'em your father gave it to you.

			DIXON
	What if they call him?

			BUD
	They won't. That's not their
	jurisdiction.

			DIXON
	You sure?

			BUD
	Yes! Read the Constitution, it's
	all in there. And remember--you
	don't know anything, nothing.

			DIXON
	I don't know anything!

			BUD
	Good. Then call him back. And call
	me back. Don't worry.

He hangs up, a worried expression, Marv entering to break
his concentration.

			MARV
	Hey you hear the news. I just got a
	job at a new firm: "Dewey, Cheat
	'em and Howe." Yuk yuk.

			BUD
		(icy)
	Didn't I tell you to knock before
	you came in here?

			MARV
	Hey the door was open.

			BUD
	Then get out and close it behind you.

			MARV
		(pause)
	You know what you need, buddy
	buddy--an optorectomy. That's when
	they cut the nerve that runs from
	your brain to your rectum--to
	change that shitty attitude of yours.

			BUD
	Get the hell out!

Marv slams the door on his way...

EXT. FEDERAL BUILDING - DOWNTOWN NEW YORK - DAY

Long shot of the towering stone structure. A tall angular
figure crosses through the glass doors with a bulky folder
under his arm...

INT. LOBBY - DAY

The man flashes his ID to a SECURITY GUARD who buzzes him
through the gate... He walks towards us and we see he is the
familiar tall, baby-faced INVESTIGATOR from the S.E.C.
Options Watch Office... he gets in an elevator.

INT. S.E.C. INVESTIGATION OFFICES - DAY

He walks into the office of a CHIEF INVESTIGATOR. A balding
sharp-featured man in a drab suit with bags of hard work
under his eyes looks up as the young investigator places the
large file in front of him.

INT. ROGER BARNES' OFFICE - DAY

Bud enters, preoccupied. Barnes is nervous.

			BUD
	So what's the problem?

			ROGER
		(whispers)
	...got a strange call from the SEC.
	They asked to see my records...
	Bud, this is a heavy...

			BUD
		(shrugs)
	....Relax Roget
		(French pronunciation)
	You're 82M in the account numbers
	and I'm the Invisible Man...
	they're always looking for red
	flags, Gekko's always getting
	checked by them, they never come up
	with anything... we're invulnerable
	on this...

			ROGER
	Alright... I just wanna slow down
	Bud... no more calls for awhile, no
	lunches... we suspend our business,
	alright...

			BUD
	Sure Roger, whatever you want, it's
	cool.

A young lawyer pops his head in the room.

			LAWYER
	Rog, come on, bring the cost report.
	They started.
		(exits)


			ROGER
		(standing, to Bud)
	Gekko asked us into the Bluestar
	deal. We're reviewing the
	timetables, wanna come?

			BUD
		(surprised)
	He never told me...

			ROGER
	You're just the President of the
	company, what do you know? ... Come
	on.

As they walk out.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

Smoky, coffee cups and food. THREE LAWYERS, TWO INVESTMENT
BANKERS, THREE COMMERCIAL BANKERS, sleeves rolled up, ties
askew. A blackboard with Bluestar's assets diagrammed. A
combat mood in the room. Bud walking in, feels vaguely
worried, something is not quite right.

			ROGER
	You guys know the new chief of
	Bluestar... Bud Fox.

They nod vaguely respectful but Bud's obviously a figure
head to them, takes a seat off to the side. The bull-like
INVESTMENT BANKER, Vietnam vet, in shirt and suspenders, is
on the attack against the stuffier Commercial Bankers.

			INVESTMENT BANKER
	Look guys, what's the problem,
	let's for the kill...Gekko's got
	12% and climbing plus the unions
	are in his pocket for now,
	everybody on the street knows the
	stock's in play
		(overlapping voice:
		up 2 1/4 since the open)
	by next week the street's gonna own
	Bluestar and management won't be
	able to do anything but poison
	their own pill. Why are you guys
	dicking around? Is the bank
	financing in place or are we gonna
	have more and more meetings? Our
	firm's gonna guarantee 25% of the
	total debt structure in long-term
	junk bonds, now you guys either
	sign this piece of paper right now
	or we're gonna pull and head for
	another bank for the 75...

			COMMERCIAL BANKER
		(older man, appeasing)
	...look, we have 30 banks ready to
	participate in a 4 year revolving
	credit line but we have to have
	your assurance to pay back most of
	the loan in the first 6 months, and
	the only way...

			INVESTMENT BANKER
		(intermittently interrupting)
	... 30 banks, isn't that
	wonderful...you got it, no problem.

			COMMERCIAL BANKER
		(insistent)
	...and the only way we can see this
	happening is liquidating the
	hangars and the planes. Can you
	people guarantee that?

Bud freezes where he sits...it all comes crashing down in a
milli-second on that word "liquidate" -- shock now spreading
on Bud's face...

			INVESTMENT BANKER
	Guaranteed! No sweat...we already
	got the Bleezburg brothers lined up
	to build condos where the hangars
	are, we can lay off the planes with
	Mexicana, who are dumb enough to
	buy 'em and Texas Air is drooling
	at my kneecaps to get the slots and
	the routes. What's the problem?
	it's done..

			ROGER
		(passing a paper to
		the commercial banker)
	This is the pricetag on the 737s,
	the gates, the hangars, the routes,
	we got it all nailed right down to
	the typewriters...

Bud sits there numbly, a sickening feeling taking hold of
him as the camera and music track and trap him tighter and
tighter. The lawyers' voices distorting in the background.

			INVESTMENT BANKER
	...'course the beauty of it is the
	overfunded pension fund. Gekko gets
	the 75 million in there. Fifty
	million buys him the minimum
	annuities for 6,000 employees and
	he walks away with the rest. All
	in, he'll net 60 to 70 million. Not
	bad for a month's work.
		(to Bud)
	Your man did his homework, Fox,
	you're gonna have the shortest
	executive career since the Pope who
	got poisoned...now he'll really
	start believing he's "Gekko the
	Great."

INT. RECEPTION AREA - GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud walks intently past the receptionist and down the long
white marble hall.

INT. NATALIE'S DESK - DAY

Natalie is on the phone. Bud marches past her desk.

			NATALIE
	Yes, he wants to change that
	appointment to...
		(cupping the receiver)
	Bud--you can't go in there. He's in
	a meeting!

He ignores her and throws open Gekko's door.

INT. GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

Gekko is talking with the LAWYERS and BANKERS from the
Bluestar deal, as Bud barges in.

			GEKKO
		(looks up)
	I didn't know we had a meeting
	schedule for this morning.

			BUD
	I'm sorry, this can't wait.

Gekko stares at him with piercing eyes.

			GEKKO
	Will you gentlemen excuse us for a
	few minutes?

The lawyers and bankers get up and discreetly leave the room.
Gekko waits for them to go, turns back to Bud.

			GEKKO
	What the hell do you want?

			BUD
	I found out about the garage sale
	down at Bluestar. Why?

Gekko is taken by surprise.

			GEKKO
	Last night I read Rudy the story of
	Winnie the Pooh and the Honey pot.
	Know what happened: he stuck his
	nose in that honey pot once too
	often and got stung.

			BUD
	Maybe you ought to read him
	Pinocchio. You told me you were
	going to turn Bluestar around. Not
	upside down. You used me.

			GEKKO
	You're walking around blind without
	a cane, sport. A fool and his money
	are lucky to get together in the
	first place.

			BUD
	Why do you need to wreck this company?

			GEKKO
	Because it's wreckable. I took
	another look and I changed my mind.

			BUD
	If these people lose their jobs,
	nowhere to go. My father worked at
	Bluestar for twenty-four years. I
	gave 'em my word.

			GEKKO
		(hard)
	It's all about bucks, kid, the rest
	is conversation...
		(loosening)
	Bud, you're still going to be
	president. And when the time comes,
	you'll parachute out a rich man.
	With the money you're going to
	make, your father won't have to
	work another day in his life.

			BUD
	Tell me, Gordon--when does it all
	end? How many yachts can you
	waterski behind? How much is enough?

			GEKKO
	Buddy, it's not a question of
	enough. It's a zero sum game, sport.
	Somebody wins and somebody loses.
	Money itself isn't lost or made,
	it's simply transferred from one
	perception to another. Like magic.
	That painting cost $60,000 10 years
	ago. I could sell it today for
	$600,000. The illusion has become
	real. And the more real it becomes,
	the more desperately they want it.
	Capitalism at its finest.

			BUD
		(again)
	How much is enough Gordon?

			GEKKO
	The richest one percent of this
	country owns half the country's
	wealth: 5 trillion dollars. One
	third of that comes from hard work,
	two thirds of it comes from
	inheritance, interest on interest
	accumulation to widows and idiot
	sons and what I do -- stock and
	real estate speculation. It's
	bullshit. Ninety percent of the
	American people have little or no
	net worth. I create nothing; I own.
	We make the rules, Buddy, the news,
	war, peace, famine, upheaval; the
	cost of a paper clip.
		(picking one up)
	We pull the rabbit out of the hat
	while everybody else sits around
	their whole life wondering how we
	did it...
		(crosses to Bud)
	...you're not naive enough to think
	we're living in a democracy are
	you, Buddy? It's the free market.
	You're one of us now...take
	advantage of it. You got the killer
	instinct, kid, stick with me. I got
	things to teach you...

			BUD
	Obviously...

As he puts his arm around Bud, leading him to the door.

			GEKKO
	Believe me, Buddy, I was gonna
	discuss this with you at the right
	time. Look, why don't you calm down
	and come to the apartment for
	dinner tonight. Bring Darien...

			BUD
		(at the door,
		confused, drained)
	...I can't make it tonight.

			GEKKO
	Are you with me Buddy?

At the door, a look of unmistakable power...and danger.

			GEKKO
	I want you with me.
		(waits)


			BUD
	I'm with you Gordon...

He walks out the door, the misery he is in washing his brow.

			GEKKO
		(to Natalie)
	...be another minute, Natalie.

As he crosses back to the coffee table and punches up a
phone number.

			GEKKO
	This is Gordon Gekko. Now...
		(a beat, with
		controlled rage)
	I want zip-locked mouths on
	Bluestar, or I'm gonna personally
	come down there and rip out your
	fucking throats!

EXT. GEKKO OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

Bud walks out, heading up the street, absent amid the
scurrying mid-day hordes tearing up the street for the loot
inside.

EXT. BUD'S CONDO - DAY

Darien approaches, carrying groceries, enters the building.

INT. BUD'S CONDO - DAY

Bud is slumped on the couch, a spent bottle of tequila in
front of him. Outside the twilight is quickening into night,
shadows, scurrying across the unlit room.... for the first
time we see him sucking on a cigarette.

Darien opens the door and freezes, surveying the living room.
A broken vase on the carpet, a curtain ripped off a window,
a painting upended, a chair overturned, selected but not
frenzied damage...

			DARIEN
	Bud?...What's going on?

She puts down the grocery bags, frightened.

			BUD
	I've been played like a grand-
	piano--by the master, Gekko the
	Great...and today was the big crash.
	Liquidation sale. He's gonna carve
	Bluestar into little pieces and
	sell it all off...

Darien registering this, is picking up pieces of the broken
vase.

			DARIEN
	I'm sorry. I was afraid something
	like this could happen.

			BUD
	Talk about being bent over the sink
	of life and being dry humped. I
	handed it to him on a silver
	platter. I told my father and those
	people...

			DARIEN
	Buddy, it's not your fault, and
	it's not your decision.

			BUD
		(evenly)
	I'm not gonna let it happen Darien.

She stops, lights a cigarette, growing concern.

			DARIEN
	Don't cross Gordon. He'll crush you.
	You've worked hard to get where you
	are. If Gordon doesn't buy Bluestar
	someone else will; and who's to say
	they won't do the same thing.

			BUD
	At least I wouldn't be pulling the
	trigger.

She sighs...comes over, tries to shake some sense into him!

			DARIEN
	Are you mad! Why are you doing this!
	We're so close, the town is going
	to be ours. Don't throw away your
	future Bud!

			BUD
	I can stay with the brokerage firm.
	And you're doing fine. We can
	survive without Gordon Gekko.

			DARIEN
		(pointed)
	I'm not looking to just survive.
	I've been doing that all my life.

			BUD
		(getting the drift)
	What the hell's that supposed to mean?

Darien moves out from his approximate circle, wrestling with
what she wants to say...until she turns and says it.

			DARIEN
	That if you make an enemy of Gordon
	Gekko, I won't be there to stand by
	you.

Bud is stunned...and hurt.

			BUD
	You really mean that?
		(lashing out)
	What'd he promise you? To take you
	public? I guess without Gordon's
	money and seal of approval, I'm not
	such a hot investment anymore.
	You're just the best money can buy,
	Darien...

			DARIEN
	You're not exactly pure Bud, you
	went after Gekko with the same
	vengeance you went after me. Look
	in the mirror before...

			BUD
		(glaring at her)
	I'm looking...and I sure don't like
	what I see.

She collects her things and walks to the door.

			DARIEN
	Fair enough...but it's not that
	simple, Bud. When I was down and
	had nothing, it was Gordon who
	helped me. He got me all my
	clients -- you among them...
		(snaps her fingers)
	and he can take it away like that.
		(a beat)
	You may find out one day -- that
	when you've had money and lost it,
	it's worse than never having had it
	at all.

Bud steps across to her in a rage.

			BUD
	That's bullshit! Step out that
	door, I'm changing the locks.

She opens the door saddened.

			DARIEN
	You may not believe this Bud but I
	really do care for you. I think we
	could've made a good team...but
	that's how it goes...

			BUD
	Get the hell out!

She does. Bud stares at the closed door, mute, numb, totally
devastated.... the loss is not just Darien, it is total...
He looks at his face in the reflection of a wall mirror...

INT. BUD'S APARTMENT - CORRIDOR - DAY

Waiting for the elevator. Darien also looks at herself a
beat in the hall mirror. She's crying. Then she steels
herself and enters the elevator.

INT. BUD'S CONDO - DAY

The same realtor, SYLVIe DRIMMER, who sold him the place, is
back. The phone is ringing, unanswered...

			SYLVIE
	...well, the market's dead, hon,
	even the rich are bitching,
	nothing's moving except termites
	and cockroaches, and with my
	commission being what it is...

			BUD
		(cutting her off)
	Save the rap, just sell it -- fast!

He's in his socks, unshaven, smoking, he looks like he's
been on a bender for the weekend. The phone stops ringing.
He turns and walks into the bedroom, slamming the door
behind him.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud walks in, a different, more serious look in his eye,
purposeful. Past CAROLYN and JANET at the outer desk. They
stop what they're doing and look up at him surprised.

			CAROLYN
	Bud! Where you been the last two days?

			BUD
		(ignoring the tone in
		her voice)
	...Janet get my father on the phone
	and the two other union reps,
	urgent...

He notices her face, something's wrong.

			JANET
	Your mom just called, Mr. Fox. Your
	father... he...

			BUD
		(sensing it)
	What! What happened?!

			CAROLYN
	He had a heart attack, hon, but
	he's okay, he's at the hospital...

			BUD
		(runs out)
	Oh Christ!
 
INT. BUD'S BMW - DAY

Bud weaving fast through traffic.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Bud races past the nurses' desks and down the hallway.

EXT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Bud's MOTHER is outside with Dominick Amato and another
neighbor just visiting, bringing candies.

			BUD
		(lighting a cigarette)
	Mom! How is he?

			MOM
		(shaken)
	...he was complaining about chest
	pains at work. Next thing I know he
	collapsed... Oh Buddy, talk to him,
	he's so stubborn.

			AMATO
		(to Bud)
	...don't worry, he's got another 20
	years in him. He's a tough ol' nut,
	your Dad...

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

The blinds are drawn. His Dad lies there, tubes down his
nose, hooked up to an IV unit and monitors. Bud comes over.
Carl, glassy-eyed, significantly frailer, nods to him. It's
obvious that more damage was done than Bud expected. Mom
comes into the room with him, stands there.

			BUD
	Hiya Dad...
		(sits, smiles)
	What was it? Mom talked too much or
	was it her spaghetti? I mean
	pasta...
		(Mom bringing a
		handkerchief to her eyes)
	I told you never to lift a 747 by
	yourself...

Carl, smiles weakly, on pain killers. Bud pulls out a
cigarette. He fumbles with it before putting it away, trying
to keep a gruff tone between them.

			BUD
	...you even got me smoking
	now...second one Dad, you're
	pushing your luck, I guess you know
	that...I guess you gotta pull
	through this one Dad...for mom, for
	me...I guess I never told you
	but...I love you Dad, I love you
	more than I ever.
		(begins to weep)
	...I didn't mean those things I
	said to you...you're a hero all the
	way Dad, you're a rock...the best.

The words seem to come flowing out of Bud as Carl's eyes
fill with tears.

			BUD
	...and you were right about Gekko.
	He's one son of a bitch...through
	and through.

Carl stares at him, beginning to understand.

			BUD (CONT'D)
	He's gonna break up Bluestar.

Carl reacts violently in his eyes but Bud soothes him...in
dead earnest, trying to be deliberate and clear in his meaning.

			BUD (CONT'D)
	...but I gotta plan Dad, it can
	work, I can save the airline, I
	know you got no reason to believe
	me but I want you to trust me...I
	need to talk to the unions...Can I
	speak for you?

Carl's eyes.

			BUD (CONT'D)
	Your words, not mine...

			CARL
		(weakly)
	You speak for me, son.

INT. AUCTION ROOM - DAY

Gekko and Darien are seated together in the back row. Darien
looks serious and distracted in spite of all the excitement
going on around her. It is the big spring Impressionist sale
and all the major players, or their representatives are here.
Gekko is bidding.

			GEKKO
	Look over there sunshine. I'm up
	against Richard Feigen.

He is on a roll, electric. As the price mounts and surpasses
the two million dollar mark, Gekko rises and walks down the
side aisle to the front, never taking his eyes away from the
auctioneer. He stands agressively, arms akimbo, in a nose to
nose confrontation.

			AUCTIONEER
	Once, twice, three times. Sold to
	Mr. Gordon Gekko.

EXT. STREET IN FRONT OF AUCTION HOUSE - DAY

They walk the sunny streets, a jubilant Gekko, savoring his
triumph, grabs Darien's arm.

			GEKKO
	What do you say we go get a suite
	at the Carlyle? Caviar? Champagne?
	Celebrate, just like the old times
	Sunshine.

			DARIEN
		(indignantly)
	Those days are over, Gordon. They
	were over a long time ago.

			GEKKO
		(condescendingly but
		paying little
		attention to the rebuff)
	Can't blame me for trying. You look
	as beautiful as that painting I
	just bought.

He pats her on the back in a preprietary fashion.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
		(mockingly)
	So what's the problem Sunshine? You
	look like Black Thursday. Bad case
	of puppy love?

			DARIEN
		(indignant)
	It's not puppy love, Gordon.
	Anyway, Buddy and I are splitting up.

			GEKKO
		(off handed)
	Sorry to hear that. I thought the
	kid had staying power.

			DARIEN
	It's over you, Gordon.

			GEKKO
		(cooly)
	You told him about us?

			DARIEN
	No, are you crazy? And I don't want
	him ever to know. Do you
	understand?...

She moves closed and takes Gordon's hand.

			DARIEN (CONT'D)
	I want to ask you a big favor,
	Gordon. Please drop the Bluestar deal.

			GEKKO
		(stroking her face)
	Now tell me, why would I want to do
	that?

			DARIEN
	Because I don't want to see him hurt.

			GEKKO
	Don't worry Sunshine. Bud and I had
	a little talk. We came to an
	understanding.
		(takes her hand paternally)
	I want you to go back to him.
	Soothe him. Help keep his head
	straight. Okay?

			DARIEN
	I can't...and I won't.

			GEKKO
	Come on, we both like Buddy. But
	this bleeding heart puppy love act
	is over the top... It doesn't fit.

			DARIEN
	Maybe it does. Don't patronize me
	Gordon.

			GEKKO
	You and I are the same, Darien.
	We're smart enough not to buy into
	the oldest myth running: love... A
	fiction created by people who got
	nothing to keep them from jumping
	out of windows.

			DARIEN
	You're really twisted, Gordon.
	You're incapable of giving to
	anybody because deep down inside
	you there's a poverty that every
	last dollar in the world won't fill.

			GEKKO
	Ooh ooh, tough talk from a scared
	little girl all wrapped in a pretty
	grown-up package. Does this mean
	you're ready to cut the umbilical
	cord and step out into the world on
	your own? Because, Darien, if
	you're through with me, you're
	through with everything I'm a part of.

Darien's eyes cloud over...the look of a scared child being
banished by her father. Then...

			DARIEN
	I know...but maybe, just maybe
	Gordon, I'm good enough so I don't
	need you anymore.

She walks away.

INT. MCGREGOR'S BAR - QUEENS - DAY

Bud is seated at a corner table with the BLUESTAR UNION
REPS: Duncan Wilmore, ALPA LEADER and Toni Carpenter, AFA
rep; also jointed by machinists, Dominick Amato and Charley
Dent, sitting in for his father's union.

			BUD
	...the stock's at 19 1/4 and it's
	going up. Gekko figures by breaking
	up Bluestar, it's worth at least
	$30 a share. That means he'll buy
	up to 23 or 24 and still think he's
	making money.

			WILMORE
	How do you know that the stock is
	going to go up?

			BUD
		(pointedly)
	You really don't want to know any
	more than that, Mr. Wilmore. Let's
	just say I have some friends.

			WILMORE
		(getting his drift)
	Okay. What happens then?

			BUD
	When the stock hits 23, you guys go
	to Gekko and lower the boom. Once
	he learns he has no union
	concession, he's going to head for
	the hills. He'll sell everything
	he's got.

			CARPENTER
	Yeah. But who's going to buy then
	and what's to prevent another shark
	from coming along and devouring us?

INT. WILDMAN BUILDING - FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENT - DAY

Bud, Duncan Wilmore, Toni Carpenter, Dominick and Charley,
an unlikely looking group in the plushness of the apartment
lobby.

			BUD
	We have an appointment to see Mr.
	Wildman.

INT. WILDMAN APARTMENT - DAY

Lofty windows overlooking the Park, an impeccably-decorated
apartment with coffee and rolls laid out, a young AIDE
quietly moving around. Bud and the others are on sofas
around the imposing figure of Wildman in a chair across.

			BUD
	Sir Lawrence, what would you say to
	owning Bluestar Airlines with union
	concessions--at $18 a share...and
	in the process hanging Gordon Gekko
	out in the wind to twist.... ?

Sir Lawrence leans back in his chair, equably...

			WILDMAN
	I might be very interested, but why?
	Why you mate -- how'd you get mixed
	up with Gekko? He doesn't know the
	difference between raiding and
	insider trading. I do. The SEC does.
	I hope you do...

			BUD
	Let's just say Mr. Gekko and I have
	a conflict of interest. I want to
	see this airline work...
		(pointing to the
		documents in front of Wildman)
	...the figures here show it can.

			WILDMAN
		(to the others)
	... and you're prepared to take
	these large salary cuts.

			WILMORE
	...we are. But we want a contract
	agreement -- iron-clad -- that if
	you buy it, you can't break it up.

			WILDMAN
		(hands behind his head)
	I'm still listening...

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud hurries in, past Marv on the phone with an irate customer.

			MARV
	Well, if that's how you feel--the
	hell with you too. And strong
	letter to follow.

He slams the phone down.

			BUD
	You don't have to agree with me,
	Marv; but I think I've been a bit
	of a schmuck lately.
		(beat, waits)


			MARV
		(off the cuff)
	I agree. Go thou and sin no more.

			BUD
	I want to make it up to you.
	Bluestar, put all your clients in it.

			MARV
		(animated, grabs the phone)
	Thanks, buddy, buddy, I'm back.
	Say, Buddy, those optorectomies do
	work wonders.

Bud intersecting Lou Mannheim smoking a cigarette and having
a hard time walking.

			BUD
	Bluestar, Mr. Mannheim. Put all
	your clients in it.

Davls looks gravely at Bud.

			MANNHEIM
	I don't know where you get your
	information, son, but I don't like
	it. The only reason I'm gonna do it
	is...I need the money, that's the
	problem with money--it makes you do
	things you don't want to do.

Bud hears him, walks on...

			MARV
		(into phone)
	Miss Bloom, Marvin. You got cancer
	in your portfolio, but I got the
	cure...Bluestar Airlines...

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud on the phone, checking his quotron.

			BUD
	Listen I need a favor and it's a
	quick scalp for you. Two hundred
	thousand at 19 1/2; can you
	position it in one of your equity
	funds?

			JANET
		(voicebox)
	...call waiting on 7.

			BUD
	Hold on...
		(switches over, hushed)
	...listen "blue horseshoe loves
	Bluestar Airlines"...

Immediately goes back to the other line.

INT. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL OFFICES - DAY

The REPORTER, who Bud anonymously called on the earlier
Anacott Steel buy, hangs up. He rises from his desk and
crosses the busy news floor, over to his EDITOR.

			WSJ REPORTER
	Bluestar's in play.

INT. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE - DAY

A RUNNER dashes up to the BLUESTAR AIRLINES post, where a
heated crowd is gathered, amidst heavy trading. He elbows
his way over to a TRADER, handing him the ticket. The TRADER
holds up the buy order, screaming, making frantic hand
signals, in search of a seller. Faces in the crowd look up
at the broad tape.

CAMERA TILTS TO:

BLUESTAR (BST), the stock quote flashing across the BROAD
TAPE--upticking to 20 1/4.

INT. BROKERAGE OFFICE - DAY

Marv, on the phone pitching, eyes glued to the office TAPE--
as BST jumps to 21 1/4.

			MARV
	I love it...I do love it so!

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

The quotron now climbs to 22 1/8!

			BUD
		(into phone)
	Yeah. I see it at 22 1/8 and I
	don't know what to make of it.

INT. GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

He paces on the other end of the phone, real anger showing;
now Alex and Susan seen in b.g.

			GEKKO
	The word's out. Your union buddies
	are talking. Get me in at a 45
	degree angle and I mean all the way
	in! Slash and burn, buy everything
	you can get up to 22. Then call me.
	When I get the sonofabitch who
	leaked this I'm gonna kill him! I'm
	gonna tear his eyeballs out, I'm
	gonna suck his skull!!

As he glances at his quotron the stock ticks up another 1/8th.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

All the BROKERS have jumped into the action, avidly watching
Bluestar's stock climb on the BROAD TAPE. Bud sweeps into
the room and looks up at the board as the stock hits 22 7/8.

			MARV
	The stock's going to Pluto!

			BUD
	Start unloading.

			MARV
	Sell?

			BUD
	Now! Tell everyone to dump!

Marv nods, and rushes away. Bud crosses past Mannheim's office.

			BUD
	Get out of Bluestar!

In background Marv is spreading the word, brokers frantically
grabbing phones, calling clients to sell.

INT. GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

Gekko looks up from his quotron and shouts to his troops on
the phones.

			GEKKO
	Who the hell's out there? What are
	the arbs saying? It's gotta be a
	big hitter.

			ALEX
	They don't know what's going on!

			SUSAN
	Everybody and his mother is buying!

Natalie enters the room, flustered.

			NATALIE
	Mr. Gekko, there's a whole bach of
	people from Bluestar Airlines
	outside demanding to see you.

			GEKKO
	What the hell do they want?

			WILMORE (O.S.)
	I'd be happy to tell you.

As Duncan, Toni Carpenter, Dominick Amato, Charley Dent and
SEVERAL other assorted UNION MEMBERS march into the room.
Gekko is taken by surprise, but stays calm.

			WILMORE
	We know what you're up to, Gekko,
	and let me tell you this from here,
		(hits his heart)
	you suck eggs, mister, over my dead
	body you ain't gonna break up
	Bluestar.

			GEKKO
	You guys must know something nobody
	else knows. If those are my plans,
	it's the first I've heard of it.

			CARPENTER
	Would you care to put that in writing?

			GEKKO
	I'd like to remind you we already
	have an agreement, which I expect
	you to honor.

			WILMORE
	Well in that case, I hope you have
	your pilot's license.

			AMATO
	Don't worry, Gekko, we wouldn't let
	the engines fall out of the plane.

			CARPENTER
		(regretfully)
	But the reservations systems can
	get awfully screwed up, if we're
	not paying attention.
 
		CHARLEY DENT
	And a lot of baggage headed to St.
	Petersburg could easily find its
	way to Pittsburgh.

			GEKKO
	Listen, you clowns, there's
	somebody else out there trying to
	buy your airline, if you want to be
	Pac-manned and gobbled by Atilla
	the Hun be my guest!

			WILMORE
	We'll take our chances.
		(tips his hat)
	Nice to see you again, Mr. Gekko.

They file out of the room. The phone lines have lit up like
a Christmas tree. Alex answers a call.

			ALEX
		(to Gekko)
	Fox says Bluestar just hit 23. What
	do you want him to do?

			GEKKO
		(fractional pause, mad)
	Sell it all.
		(then, evenly)
	What the hell, so I'll only make
	ten million.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud switches lines from Gekko to Larry Wildman.

			BUD
	Gekko's on the ropes--he's trying
	to sell, but there's not many
	takers, the stock's plummeting.

EXT. WILDMAN'S YACHT - DAY

Wildman is off the Long Island Sound waters in his boat
lighting a cigar. Two beautiful women and an aide are with him.

			WILDMAN
	Well then... guess I'll have to
	carry him a few rounds before he
	drops.

Switches lines, checking his quotron...

			WILDMAN
	Bluestar. Don't make a big deal.
	Buy it lightly on the way down.
		(emphatically)
	When it hits 18--buy it all.

INT. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE FLOOR - DAY

Wildman's broker takes the order with a curt "got it" and
dashes out of the cubicle over to the Bluestar post where a
chaotic crowd is gathered, traders frantically screaming to
sell Bluestar shares. He looks at the Big Board--sees an XTR
drop to 17. When he raises his hand to buy, he is mobbed.

					DISSOLVE TO:

The Big Board...a series of snappy dissolves accompanied by
lively music shows the stock price falling to 16 1/2 ...

INT. GEKKO'S OFFICE - DAY

Alex, Ollie, Susan on the phones.

			OLLIE
	The arbs are getting killed.
	Where'd the buyers go!

			ALEX
		(worried)
	We're being devoured, Gordon.

Harold Salt, walking on egg shells, looks to Gekko, who sits
with the phone receiver crooked to his neck.

			HAROLD
	There's got to be a way out of
	this, Gordon.

			GEKKO
		(livid, losing it)
	Yeah, Harold, why don't you dial
	911.
		(into the receiver)
	Fox, where the hell are you? I'm
	losing millions.
		(a beat)
	Look, you got me into this airline,
	and you damn well better get me out.
	Because if you don't the only job
	you're going to get on the Street
	is sweeping it! You hear me, Fox--

					INTERCUT TO:
 
INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Bud scribbling an order ticket, replies on the other end.

			BUD
		(hard)
	You once told me don't get
	emotional about stock. Gordon,
	don't. The bid is 17 and going down.
	As your broker, I advise you to
	take it.

Bud moves the phone away from his ear, at Gekko's cursing,
and signs the ticket.

			BUD
		(urgent)
	Gordon, it's two minutes to close.
	What do you want to do?! Decide.

			GEKKO
		(a long beat)
	Dump it.

Bud hangs up and rushes off with the ticket.

INT. GEKKO'S DEN - NEW YORK APARTMENT - TWILIGHT

The 35" television is on to:

			NEWSCASTER
	The big Wall Street story tonight
	is the  roller coaster ride of
	Bluestar Airlines. Fueled by
	takeover rumors, the stock soared
	to an all-time high of 24 1/8. Then
	when contradictory rumors later
	surfaced that the takeover was
	unfounded, buyers went running for
	cover, and the stock plummeted on
	gigantic volume to as low as 16 1/2
	before closing at 17.

Camera discovers Gekko sitting, grimly watching the report.
Rudy seen riding his toy car in background.

			NEWSCASTER
	...but then tonight, amidst all the
	scuttlebutt, another rumble shook
		(a beat)
	According to many sources, raider
	Sir Lawrence Wildman has stepped in
	and bought a substantial block of
	Bluestar and is going to announce a
	deal tomorrow at 18 that includes
	the support of the unions.

Camera now tracks in close on Gekko as he absorbs the
unexpected blow. O.S. Rudy yelling and squealing. Gekko
leans back, putting the pieces together, his eyes narrowing
into burning slits. He smashes the glass cocktail table with
a massive paperweight as Kate hears it, shocked.

EXT. WALL STREET - MORNING

People rushing to work. Bud crosses the street, his face
buried in The Financial Times. Insert: "SIR LAWRENCE WILDMAN
MOUNTS BLUESTAR BUY WITH UNION SUPPORT".

Satisfied, Bud folds the paper and heads into his office
building.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

He walks past Carolyn the receptionist who is strangely mute...

			BUD
	Smile, Carolyn, there's justice in
	the world...

INT. MAIN OFFICE - DAY

He passes the CHINESE STOCKLADY. She sees him and manages to
look away. Marvin exchanges a look with him but can't bring
himself to talk. Bud wonders...the whole office seems
silent, the other BROKERS stealing glances.

...as he passes Lou Mannheim with Charlie Cushing, who
ignores Bud...

			BUD
	How's it going Mr. Mannheim? Got
	out of Bluestar in time I hope?

Mannheim stops, winds up. Bud impatient but polite.

			MANNHEIM
		(with gruff affection)
	Bud I like you, just remember
	something. Man looks in the abyss,
	there's nothing staring back at him.
	At that time a man finds his
	character--and that is what keeps
	him out of the abyss...
		(a beat, looks deeply)


			BUD
	I think I understand what you mean
	Mr. Mannheim.

But not really. As, on this increasingly strange morning, he
moves on past Janet who wants to tell his something but he
cuts her off.

			BUD
	Get my father will you Janet?

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

As Bud walks in, the camera glides to reveal the young SEC
INVESTIGATOR, who has been tracking Buddy, going through his
files. A SECOND MAN, PATTERSON, is standing behind the desk
using the phone as a bored-looking 3RD MAN and POLICEMAN
stand off to the side with Hieronymus Lynch, who gives Bud a
withering glance.

			PATTERSON
		(into phone)
	He just came in. I'll talk to you
	later.

On Bud--a struck-dumb look passing to resignation, as if for
a long time now, he has been expecting this.

			BUD
	I guess you're not here to open an
	IRA.

			PATTERSON
	Mr Fox, I'm Henry Patterson from
	the Postal Inspection Service...
	this is Evan Morrissey with The
	Securities and Exchange
	Investigation Office.
		(presents his ID and
		indicates MAN 3)
	... Mr. Ebanhopper from the US
	Attorney's Office.

			MORRISSEY
	Mr. Fox, you're under arrest for
	conspiracy to commit securities
	fraud and for violating the Insider
	Trader's Sanction Act.

The handcuffs come out.

EXT. SHEEPSMEADOW - CENTRAL PARK - TWILIGHT

Long shot. Activity is winding down, a few sunbathers
collecting their blankets. A solitary figure stands on a
hill silhouetted by the sunset. A second figure appears on a
footpath and starts climbing the hill towards the other man.

Gekko waits, expressionless... Bud approaches him. They
stand facing each other.

			GEKKO
	Hello Bud.

			BUD
	Gordon.

			GEKKO
	You sandbagged me on Bluestar.
		(smiles)
	I guess you think you taught the
	teacher a lesson, that you can make
	the tail wag the dog, huh?

Bud looks away. Gekko's smile fades.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
	Well let me cue you in: the ice is
	melting under your feet sport...

Without warning, he grabs Buddy roughly by the lapels and
lets out his inner rage with a series of smacks and slaps
across his face.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
	You think you could've gotten this
	far this fast with anybody else?
	You think you could be out there
	dicking somebody like Darien? No,
	you'd be cold calling dentists and
	widows to buy twenty shares of some
	dog stock! I took you in! A nobody!
	I opened doors for you!...I showed
	you how the system works!...

Gekko slapping him harder and harder, Buddy staggering with
the blows, saying nothing, not defending himself.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
	...the value of information! How
	you get it! Anacott Steel, Brant
	Resources, Transuniversal, Fulham
	Oil. And this is how you pay back,
	you cockroach! I gave you Darien, I
	gave you your manhood. I gave you
	everything.

He backhands Bud across the face. Bud lies on the ground,
spent, as is Gordon breathing hard. Bud gets to his knees,
blood streaming from his nose, his suit muddied. Passersby
look on, wondering.

Gekko seems to relent, the rage going into hurt, remorse. He
hands Bud a handkerchief. Bud staunches the flow of blood
from his nose.

			GEKKO (CONT'D)
		(softly, innocently)
	You could've been one of the great
	ones Bud...I look at you and see
	myself...Why?

Bud looks at Gordon, torn by mixed emotions: the bonds they
share and the betrayal wrought.

			BUD
		(shakes his head, thoughtfully)
	I don't know. My Dad once told me,
	"money is something you need in
	case you don't die tomortow." I
	guess I realized I'm just Bud Fox.
	And as much as I wanted to be
	Gordon Gekko--I'll always be Bud Fox.

He looks at Gordon, as if wanting to say more, but doesn't.

In long shot, Gordon stands alone as Bud walks away.

EXT. TAVERN ON THE GREEN RESTAURANT - EVENING

The DOORMAN looks askance. Bud, mud-splattered suit and
bloody nose, walks straight past him thru the door.

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Several well-heeled DINERS look up from their haute cuisine,
at the sight of Bud making his way toward the men's room.

INT. MEN'S ROOM - NIGHT

Tight on Bud, staring at his reflection in the mirror, as he
unbuttons his shirt, revealing adhesive tape swathed across
his chest. Camera paces back as he winces when...

MORRISSEY and AGOSTINI, the two investigators, rip the tape
off his chest, retrieving a small tape recorder. Morrissey
of the S.E.C. rewinds the cassette. We hear Gekko's voice
being played back on the tape, the mention of their deals.

			MORRISSEY
	You did the right thing, Bud.

Bud looks searchingly in the mirror. Faint CLICKING NOISE
comes up over the shot.

INT. BUD'S OFFICE - DAY

CLICKING of the Broad Tape grows LOUDER. Shots of Lou
Mannheim, Lynch, Marv; silently looking up at the green
fluorescent print-out.

THE TAPE--THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TODAY ANNOUNCED
CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST CORPORATE RAIDER GORDON GEKKO AND
STOCK BROKER BUD FOX, FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT SECURITIES
FRAUD, TAX EVASION, VIOLATIONS OF SECURITY ACTS, AND MAIL
FRAUD...

					DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CARL FOX'S HOUSE - QUEENS - DAY

Carl, dressed in a suit and tie, sits at the dining table,
finished breakfast plates in front of him, refilling his
coffee cup. Mom clearing off the table, anxious...

As Bud walks in, wearing a suit and tie. He looks tired,
beaten, the eyes lifeless, in a dark mood.

			MOM
		(disapproving)
	...don't wear that tie Buddy, it...

She cuts off on Bud's look.

			CARL
	Another cup of coffee?

			BUD
	No, thanks, I'm nervous enough.

			CARL
		(checks his watch)
	I guess it's time to hit the road.

			BUD
	Yeah, don't want to be late for my
	own funeral.

INT. CARL FOX'S SEDAN - LOWER MANHATTAN - DAY

Driving towards the Federal Courtrooms in Lower Manhattan.
Busy traffic all around.

			CARL
		(supportively)
	...you told the truth, you gave the
	money back. All things considered--
	in this cockamamie world--you're
	shooting par...

			MOM
	...you helped save the airline and
	the people at the airline are gonna
	remember you for it.

			CARL
	...if I was you, I'd think about
	that Bluestar job Wildman's offered
	you...

			BUD
	Dad, I'm going to jail and you know
	it.

			CARL
		(shaking his head, sober)
	Maybe that's the price, Bud, maybe
	so. It's gonna be rough on you but
	maybe in some screwed up way,
	that's the best thing that can
	happen to you...stop trading for
	the quick buck and go produce
	something with your life, create,
	don't live off the buying and
	selling of others...

			MOM
	...you can do it, Bud, once you set
	your mind to something, I believe
	you can do anything in the world...

Bud stares ahead, registering it.

			CARL
		(nods, then)
	...got any friends gonna be there?

As he pulls the car into the curb. The Federal Building, in
approaching POV, looms large before them.

			BUD
		(looks around, ironic)
	Like who? Who really wants to know
	a convicted felon...I don't even
	like myself.

Carl knows something Bud doesn't...

Darien is standing there waiting as they approach the main
entrance... Bud seeing her, suddenly stunned. His POV--
easing along the curb.

			CARL
	So, why don't you get out here and
	go in with your friend, I'll park
	the car. Try to be cool, okay?

A last look with his father.

EXT. CURBSIDE - FEDERAL BUILDING - LOWER MANHATTAN - DAY

Bud getting out...crossing to Darien. A pause.

			DARIEN
		(nervous)
	Hi.

			BUD
	Why?

			DARIEN
	I figure a guy who's made some
	mistakes should be able to
	understand a girl who's made some
	of her own...

Bud looking at her, moves closer, longing and hope and
happiness have returned to his dull eyes... and forgiveness,
the greatest of all.

They embrace. Bud will never know about her past, nor need
he. The camera leaving them on a slanting, circular crane,
lifting past the Federal Building to a panorama of Wall
Street in all its icy magisterial splendor...and thus ends
our tale.

			  THE END
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